LODESTAR: Rocket Ship to Mars

by Franklyn M. Branley ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1951

Top-flight science fiction -- a spellbinder as the rocket age draws nearer. Jack Strong, youngest member of the three man crew of the Lodestar takes off into space with the great inter-planetary scientist, Dr. Shallot, and engineer Mr. Warick. From a spot in Texas the tremendous rocket blazes into space at 25,000 M.P.H. for Mars. After two months of travel and after some close escapes from ""blips"" and adjustments in landing, the Lodestar settles on Mars. In their special pressurized clothing and glass helmets, the men set foot on the red dust of Mars. It is on the second day that the eery Martians -- with furry bodies, antennaed eyes, and round heads -- capture Mr. Warick and then the others. While prisoners in the underground city, the men learn how the Martians preserve the diminished supply of oxygen, grow plants in a minute, transmit radio beams from their antennae and utilize sun light. Negotiations in a language Dr. Shallot has invented, a Martian friend, and an order from the ancient leader free the men to return to earth. Neither young people or adults will be able to put this down after the take-off.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1951

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1951

Categories: FICTION