First on the Moon

"First on the Moon" by Jeff Sutton is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story centers around Adam Crag, a pilot who is part of a crucial mission to be the first man to reach the moon amidst a tense backdrop of international rivalry and espionage. As the expedition unfolds, Crag discovers that he has been targeted for sabotage, adding urgency and tension to the already perilous journey. The opening of the book establishes a strong sense of anticipation as Crag, confined in his military dormitory, awaits orders for the historic mission. Through a series of quick exchanges with Colonel Gotch, Crag learns that two potential pilots before him have died under suspicious circumstances, raising alarms about a saboteur within their ranks. The narrative quickly shifts to the detailed descriptions of the missiles and spacecraft involved in the mission, culminating in the necessity for Crag to contend with betrayal and peril as he journeys through outer space toward the moon’s surface—specifically the crater called Arzachel. Tension builds as Crag realizes he must not only navigate the challenges of space travel but also safeguard his own life and the mission's success against unseen enemies.