The Planet Strappers

"The Planet Strappers" by Raymond Z. Gallun is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story follows a group of ambitious young people, referred to as the "Bunch," who share dreams of space exploration and colonization. The narrative centers around Frank Nelsen and his companions as they prepare to embark on a journey into the cosmos, driven by their aspirations and the challenges that lie ahead. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Bunch as they gather in a hobby shop to unpack and marvel at a low-cost space suit, the Archer Five. Among them are varied characters: Frank, a thoughtful leader; Gimp, a mechanically talented but physically disabled member; and Eileen, who is eager to prove herself in a male-dominated field. The opening portion establishes their camaraderie, their fervent aspirations, and the societal hurdles they face as budding astronauts. As they navigate their preparation for space travel, excitement mixes with underlying fears of the unknown, setting the stage for a blend of adventure and personal growth as they aim to conquer the challenges of the Big Vacuum.