Space Platform
Public-domain ebook
Space Platform
Language: en3,432 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Science Fiction·Science-Fiction & Fantasy·Adventure
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #25051.
About this book
Space Platform is a mid‑century American science‑fiction adventure that opens with a tense, claustrophobic flight. Young mechanic Joe Kenmore is tasked with delivering ultra‑precise pilot gyros to the remote construction site known as Bootstrap, the critical hub for the massive artificial satellite that will become humanity’s first “moon.” The narrative immediately establishes the stakes: sabotage, murder, and political intrigue swirl around the project, while the co‑pilot’s cynical banter hints at a hidden war over the platform’s launch. The opening scenes blend technical detail, down to the thousandth‑of‑an‑inch tolerances of the gyros, with a palpable sense of danger, setting the stage for a story that intertwines engineering challenges with personal peril.
Leinster’s prose reflects the 1950s pulp tradition, delivering brisk dialogue and vivid description without sacrificing the hard‑science flavor that underpins the plot. The voice is straightforward, peppered with colloquial banter, and the pacing moves swiftly from the cramped aircraft cabin to the looming desert shed. Readers who enjoy classic space‑race tales, with a mix of rugged camaraderie, a dash of romance, and a touch of espionage, will find this novel’s blend of technical authenticity and human drama compelling.
Characters in Space Platform
- Joe KenmoreYoung man, short brown hair, clean‑shaven, wearing a flight suit and goggles, determined expression
- The ChiefRugged Native American steelworker, broad‑shouldered, dark hair in braids, weathered skin, wearing work overalls and a steel‑toed boot
- MikeShort stature dwarf, sharp eyes behind round glasses, crisp shirt and tie, confident posture
The opening · free to read
Space Platform tells of man's first step into outer space ... of the difficulties and dangers of reaching for the stars. It is also an exciting adventure. When young Joe Kenmore came to Bootstrap to install pilot gyros in the Platform he hadn't bargained for sabotage or murder or love. But Joe learned that ruthless agents were determined to wreck the project. He found that the beautiful girl he loved, and men like The Chief, a rugged Indian steelworker, and Mike, a midget who made up for his size by brains, would have to fight with their bare hands to make man's age old dream of space travel come true!
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