Tripping Toward Mars: A Deep Space Love Odyssey - Hardcover

Richmond Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 13: 9798886453089

Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group, 2025

Synopsis

He returned from Mars. Then they arrested him.

A darkly funny, near-future sci-fi novel of space, politics, and survival.

Astronaut Addy Johnson was supposed to be the face of humanity’s next great leap. Instead, he’s standing trial in federal court.

Addy and his wife, Bria, have secured coveted spots on NASA’s first crewed mission to Mars, joining another married couple who happen to be their closest friends—and bandmates. Before launch, they navigate a surprise hit record, dodge a media scandal, and endure brutal survival training in Antarctica as they prepare for a journey powered by cutting-edge nuclear thermal propulsion.

Then, millions of miles from Earth, Addy makes a decision.

Determined to beat international rivals to the Red Planet, he defies Mission Control—and the warnings of his own crew—by taking a gamble that jeopardizes not only the mission, but their safe return home. Back on Earth, the fallout is swift and political, fueled by a reality-TV President eager to hurl NASA into a black hole. For Addy’s jury, the question goes beyond whether he broke protocol.

Was he a reckless glory seeker—or a hero?

Now circulating in hundreds of libraries across the United States, Tripping Toward Mars blends scientific authenticity with biting satire while exploring ego, loyalty, marriage, and the perilous cost of being first.

Because the greatest danger isn’t Mars itself—it’s the choices we make along the way.

About this title

About the Author

Growing up, Richmond Scott wanted to become a space scientist, but got stuck orbiting other high-tech worlds instead. He lives in Washington, DC. This is his first novel.

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798886453089
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304