Destination Space

The U.S. space program is attempting launch a moon mission from the "BB" space station that is orbiting 500 miles above Earth. Just as the rocket is readying for departure, a meteor strikes the space station a glancing blow. It requires scrubbing the launch and more costly delays. Space program director Jim Benedict is called to testify at Senate hearings to assess the returns of the space program for the high costs of its projects. Space station "BB" is short for Benedict's Billions. Senator Royce is particularly out spoken about the expenditure of more funds. He thinks a ground-based launch control center would be less expensive. Jim succeeds in winning a majority vote on continuance but is asked by Royce to take an independent scientific observer that will report back to Congress. Dr. Easton is selected. Unfortunately, a leaky hydraulic line causes a reactor control rod to freeze during the second pre-launch sequence. The Reactor C aboard the rocket gets closer and closer to going critical and exploding. The mission once again has to be aborted. What will Easton report to congress? —Garon Smith