The Martian Race

In this hard-science thriller by Nebula Award-winning author John Axelrod, the tragic explosion of a rocket destined for Mars leads the US to abandon its manned mission, redirecting efforts to near-Earth projects. Undeterred, tycoon John Axelrod rallies a consortium to fund a renewed effort to reach the Red Planet, hoping for a lucrative payoff. Meanwhile, a European-Asian airbus is poised to embark on a similar expedition, igniting a fierce competition to be the first to Mars.