Compassing Mars

"You who hold in hand this book" begins the prologue to Compassing Mars. "This book" tells the story of the seventh mission of humans to Mars, from launch from Earth on May 20, 2027, landing and exploring Mars, and returning to Earth on August 12, 2028. The mission has definite scientific and astronomic purposes. In addition, as expressed by one of the seven members of the crew, "We go to Mars for our souls as much as for science." Compassing Mars exists in "an interface of past, present an...