Rocket to Luna is a juvenile Science fiction

Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...

 novel by prolific author and screenwriter Evan Hunter

Evan Hunter

Evan Hunter was an American author and screenwriter. Born Salvatore Albert Lombino, he legally adopted the name Evan Hunter in 1952...

 (as Richard Marsten) published in 1953 by The John C. Winston Company with cover illustration by Alex Schomburg

Alex Schomburg

Alex Schomburg was a prolific American commercial and comic book artist and painter whose career lasted over 70 years.-Biography:...

. The story follows the adventures of the main character Ted Baker after he mistakenly replaces a member of the first lunar expedition at the last moment before rocket leaves for the moon. Rocket to Luna is a part of the Winston Science Fiction

Winston Science Fiction

The Winston Science Fiction set comprises 35 science fiction juvenile novels by famous science fiction authors such as Poul Anderson, Arthur C. Clarke, Ben Bova, and Lester del Rey and one non-fiction book Rockets through Space: The Story of Man's Preparations to Explore the Universe by del Rey...

 set, a series of juvenile novels which have become famous for their influence on young science fiction readers and their exceptional cover illustrations by award winning artists.

Plot introduction

Ted Baker is beginning his fourth year at the Space Academy, which is to take place on the earth orbiting space station. On his trip to the station from Earth, he is accompanied by a recent graduate of the Academy, Jack Talbot, who is to be part of the first expedition to the moon as a backup member. On arrival at the station, Ted discovers that Jack's collarbone was injured during the launch to the station. Fearing that Jack's injury could endanger the other men on the expedition, he confronts Jack about his injury. Jack refuses to give up his chance at glory, forcing Ted into a physical confrontation. Jack is knocked unconscious, and Ted hurredly boards the moon rocket to inform the expedition of Jack's injury. Unfortunately, the countdown has already begun, and can't be stopped. Ted is now the fifth man of the expedition.

Characters in "Rocket to Luna"

• Ted Baker - Main character, 4th year Space Academy student, mistakenly replaces a member of the moon rocket crew
• Dan Forbes - Ship's engineer, believes Ted is a glory seeking stow away who replaced Jack on purpose
• Dr. Phelps - Ship's doctor, member of the lunar expedition
• Dr. Gerhardt - Ship's geologist, member of the lunar expedition
• Jack Talbot - Ted's former classmate, graduated, supposed to be pinch-hitter crew member for moon rocket, replaced by Ted
• George Merola - Captain of moon rocket, injured during flight

Reception

P. Schuyler Miller

P. Schuyler Miller

Peter Schuyler Miller was an American science fiction writer and critic.-Life:Miller was raised in New York's Mohawk Valley, which led to a life-long interest in the Iroquois Indians. He pursued this as an amateur archaeologist and a member of the New York State Archaeological Association.He...

described Rocket to Luna as a "prelude," suggesting it was intended to set up a series of sequels.