The Martian Race

When the rocket about to launch the first manned mission to Mars blows up at take off, NASA abandons the project. Instead, a $30 billion prize is offered for the first private expedition to reach Mars. An American consortium is determined to win, but they face stiff competition from a rival European-Chinese bid. Eventually, the American rocket, crewed by Viktor and Julia, wins the race, but thats not the only Martian Race in the book, because when they get to Mars they discover a primitive life form.The story is continued in The Sunborn, in which Viktor and Julia, now historys most famous astronauts, are offered the chance to go on a mission to Pluto.You would expect physicist Benford to be rigorous in the scientific accuracy of his novel, and you wouldnt be disappointed; but it is the invention of primitive life on Mars that really makes this book stand out.