What happens when the co-commander of NASA’s first crewed mission to Mars becomes a criminal defendant?

Tripping Toward Mars, a sharp-witted near-future science fiction satire, has the answer.

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?

Blending scientific authenticity with biting satire—and featuring a cast that includes amorous robots and a power-hungry space mogul—Tripping Toward Mars explores 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.

The paperback edition of Tripping Toward Mars: A Deep Space Love Odyssey was released on June 9, 2026. This satirical science-fiction novel follows astronaut Addy Johnson, who returns from humanity's first crewed mission to Mars only to find himself prosecuted by an anti-science government determined to shut down NASA.

Blending humor, adventure, political satire, and hard science fiction, Tripping Toward Mars explores the challenges of deep-space exploration, the resilience of friendship and love, and the collision between science and politics.

This new paperback edition includes an Author's Note from Richmond Scott and discussion questions for book clubs and readers. The novel is also available in hardcover and ebook editions.