Spacemen are born

"Spacemen are Born" by Bolling Branham is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around Trase Barnes, a man who longs to be a spaceman despite being grounded by his inherent physical limitations. It explores themes of destiny, aspiration, and the nature of what it means to be a true spaceman, suggesting that, while some may argue otherwise, true spacemen are born, not made. The narrative follows Trase Barnes, who is born on the Moon to parents who are both spacemen. Despite his healthy upbringing, he despises the gravity that ties him to the ground, yearning to explore the vastness of space, especially the majestic Saturn. Driven by a deep-seated belief that he can conquer his physical challenges, Trase attempts to prepare himself for a journey to Saturn through a combination of drugs and self-induced hypnosis. Throughout his torturous journey, he is supported by Irinia Custer, a talented and renowned pilot. Ultimately, he must confront the harsh reality of his nature and decide whether to accept his limitations or defy them in the pursuit of his dreams of seeing Saturn and proving that "spacemen can be made." The story culminates in a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the essence of exploration, leaving readers to ponder the definitions of destiny and desire.