"A Long Way Back" by Ben Bova is a science fiction story from the early 1960s that takes place after a huge war has ruined the world, and people are trying to build their society again. The story is about how tough people can be and how technology can give hope, mainly through the experiences of the main character as he tries to put together a special satellite that can send power to the destroyed planet. The main character, Tom Morris, used to study history but now he's the pilot who has to put the satellite together in space. He faces challenges, like freezing cold temperatures and his own worries, as he tries to connect the satellite's parts while getting instructions from leaders like the very driven Jason. As he works on his mission, he wonders about staying alive, what will happen to society, and how important knowledge is when everyone is scared and secretive. When the satellite is finally done, Tom has to make a big decision that will affect not only him but all of humanity, choosing to aim the satellite's power at a better place on Earth, forcing his group to think about rejoining the rest of the world.
A long way back
By Ben Bova
In a world struggling after war, a historian-turned-pilot must overcome immense challenges to assemble a power-beaming satellite, ultimately making a choice that could save humanity.
Summary
About the AuthorBenjamin William Bova was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.
Benjamin William Bova was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.
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