Space Platform

To the Stars #1

by Murray Leinster

SPACE PLATFORM tells the exciting story of a young man helping to build this first station. With scientific accuracy and imagination Murray Leinster, one of the world's top science-fiction writers, describes the building and launching of the platform. Here is a fast-paced story of sabotage and murder directed against a project more secret and valuable than the atom bomb Reaching for the Stars....Ever since ancient man first gazed in wonder at the stars, humanity has dreamed of traveling to outer space. Now scientists agree that space-flight may very soon become a reality.Space Platform tells of man's first step into outer space ... of the difficulties and dangers of reaching for the stars. It is also an exciting adventure. When young Joe Kenmore came to Bootstrap to install pilot gyros in the Platform he hadn't bargained for sabotage or murder or love. But Joe learned that ruthless agents were determined to wreck the project. He found that the beautiful girl he loved, and men like The Chief, a rugged Indian steelworker, and Mike, a midget who made up for his size by brains, would have to fight with their bare hands to make man's age old dream of space travel come true

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy, Space

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

see also:
Will F. Jenkins
William Fitzgerald Jenkins

Murray Leinster was a nom de plume of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an award-winning American writer of science fiction and alternate history. He wrote and published over 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

An author whose career spanned the first six decades of the 20th Century. From mystery and adventure stories in the earliest years to science fiction in his later years, he worked steadily and at a highly professional level of craftsmanship longer than most writers of his generation. He won a Hugo Award in 1956 for his novelet “Exploration Team,” and in 1995 the Sidewise Award for Alternate History took its name from his classic story, “Sidewise in Time.” His last original work appeared in 1967.

Reviews

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little surprised how much I enjoyed this. There was a lot of technical talk and mechanical details, which would normally turn me off. But I liked the characters and there was plenty of action. The Librivox narrator was great too. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 2 out of 5]

ENGLISH: A very naive novel about the beginning of the space age. The Americans are very good, while other (unspecified) countries are very bad. There is a maelstrom of sabotage attempts, to prevent the United States from getting ahead in the space race. (Just four years later, the USSR took the lead). The sabotages are stopped by a band of mojawk Indians, another band of dwarves, and a group of security agents with machine guns (!!!). Well!

SPANISH: Una novela muy inocentona sobre el principio de la era espacial. Los americanos son buenísimos, otros países (no especificados) son malísimos. Hay una vorágine de intentos de sabotaje para evitar que los Estados Unidos se pongan por delante en la carrera espacial. (Sólo cuatro años después, quien se puso por delante fue la URSS). Los sabotajes son detenidos por una banda de indios mojawk, otra banda de enanos, y un grupo de agentes de seguridad con ametralladoras (!!!). ¡En fin!

[Frank Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Librivox recording by Mark Nelson is excellent as always and this is a pretty great story as well. It was written in 1953 and speculates on the political and social upheavals that space travel might bring.

It's largely about trying to stay a step ahead of would-be saboteurs from preventing the launch of the first space station and draws (I think) on real world examples of activities from previous world wars to create dastardly and cunning methods of destruction which almost entirely circumvent detection until it's too late to react. The story is very clever.

I liked a lot about the technological discussions, of particular note - I found it fascinating though probably obvious in hindsight that in the 50s it was expected for a space station to be the first step out into the solar system before then moving on to the moon.

[Joe Santoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always entertaining to read speculative sci-fi about things that have already happened... in this case, we have the building and setting into orbit a space station (which we still haven't managed all that well 65 years later).

Leinster focuses on his idea of the technical details, and most of the story consists of a motley band of characters (the main character, as generic an everyman as you can get named Joe, a Mohawk engineer, and a midget that just wants everyone to agree that midgets would make the best space men, then a generic tough guy named Haney) somehow manage to foil a multitude of sabotage attempts. The book ends with the platform getting off the ground and the main characters picked to man the supply ferry. Oh, and Joe gets the girl, too, as one always does in 50s sci-fi.

Noticibly absent is the massive (and much more interesting) political ramifications of the United States getting what was essentially an oribiting military base (they discuss how it was stocked with atomic weapons) into orbit at the height of the cold war.. which is too bad, because that would have been far more interesting than a layman's view of how to get a station up into space with 1953 tech.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murray Leinster, also known as William F. Jenkins, was for many years known as The Dean of science fiction writers. He was one of my very favorites when I was young, and the Joe Kenmore trilogy and the Med Service series were my favorites of his works. I hadn't revisited the Kenmore books since then; I was probably afraid that I'd find them creaky and didn't want to spoil my juvenile enthusiasm. I was happy to find that I really enjoyed re-reading the first book of the trilogy, Space Platform. Sure, it's written in the style and with many of the conventions of the early 1950's, but it's still an interesting story, and has elements beyond most of its contemporaries. The characters are pleasantly diverse, the writing is smooth and polished, and the fast-paced plot is captivating. The story takes place on Earth and concerns the construction of the first space station, which is plagued by sabotage and political problems as well as engineering and scientific problems. It's -still- a Good Read!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

More gritty, realistic and present day than his more usual space opera, far future, Science Fiction. One of the earliest Science Fiction space books which might be termed Hard Science Fiction. I'm sure come Sputnik in October 1957 a lot of US science bureaucrats and politicians would have been nervously ransacking this novel and its sequel Space Tug for background and perspective on space exploration.

[Call me Jeeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I have become a huge fan of Murray Leinster. The few stories I have read of his are so full of wonder and hope. Hope for a better future. A future of exploration, discovery, experimentation all to make that better future possible.
What also have discovered from the books is artist Earle Bergey a pulp artist who painted over a thousand pieces. Many used for magazines, and fiction books of that era.
Totally reccomend this book for all ages .

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful fantasy reading 📚

Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me, a very will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller adventure novella. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line has a little romance, friendship, violence leadership, and success leading to the future. I would recommend this novella to readers of Sci-Fi fantasy. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😀⚓

[Roberto · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is exactly "The return of the Jedi", except from the POV of the empire and all ewoks are killed. Not a pleasant read, really. Acritical and jingoistic.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a sci-fi aficionado by any means, but I have read a few early (50s-60s) kids' space travel books and listened to some similar early radio shows. Against that backdrop, I found this book unique in several ways.

First, it was a "contemporary" sci-fi adventure, set in a very near future. So rather than having rockets, spacesuits, and interplanetary travel as the norm, this story deals with the beginning stages of space travel--specifically the construction of a "space platform" as a launching point for future missions. It was very interesting (and sometimes quite amusing) to note the differences between this near-future rendering and the developments that actually took place only a few years later.

One of the things that most impressed me about the story was the characters. Although they bordered on the usual stock adventure-story tropes, I thought the author did a good job of adding depth and originality (if not real complexity). So, for example, the stern head of security barks at everyone but is fair-minded when presented with even unorthodox ideas. His daughter has the feminine role of "interior designer" for the station, but her improvements smack more of real psychology than empty fashion. Our young hero, Joe, manages to foil a key sabotage attempt because of, rather than in spite of, his inexperience. And every member of his unlikely team (consisting of a rough workman, a Native American, and a midget) has a brain of his own and brings unquestionable contributions to the success of the project.

The only piece of the story that really jarred was the continued emphasis on the true world peace that would follow without question on the launching of this platform--peace so certain that the world's dictators would stop at nothing to prevent its launch. I'm used to a certain amount of flag-waving and rosy futures, but this one seemed a bit over-the-top. I also thought it sadly ironic that if Mike's pet project of using midgets in space travel had been adopted, recent history would have soundly denounced the "exploitation"!

Overall rating--3.5 stars

[Tommy Verhaegen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic SciFi, chronologically in the past but up to now neveer realised. But still a dream to come true in the near future. There is more than 1 space station out there, circling the Earth. Not started a monster from the Earth soil as Murray Leinster describes in this book, but by the alternative means that Mike, the midget with a very big brain, gives as alternative. Lauch in pieces, rocket by rocket and assemble in space.
This book plays during the Cold War, although it is not explicitly mentioned. It also takes place before the manned (and other) flights to the Moon. Leinster here had the vision but messed up the details and chronology a bit. Reminds me a lot of Jules Verne.
There is a little romance involved, almost mandatory as was custom at that time. Technology is both antiquated, very modern and some still futuristic. Environmentalists were not trying to destroy every possible progress of humankind, but spies and saboteurs were plenty, working for the enemies of the USA. Represented in the United NAtions and trying to use that to destabilize the world into their own advantage. As is the reality that we live in today.
This is mostly a story of average people, working and using their skills to build a better place for their families, proud on their job, risking their lifes. Construction, logistics, security, management, engineering, politics they all pass the scrutinizing eyes of the writer and not all with the same result. Clearly Murray Leinster is not so fond of politicians and business men, not even engineers.
The best part of this book is of course that there two other volumes following it...

[John Tetteroo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deze roman van Murray Leinster is wel heel erg gedateerd. Terwijl de schrijver redelijk visionair de nabije toekomst voorspelt, met name de toekomst van 40 jaar geleden, zeg ca 1980, is het verhaal pure pulp. De mannen zijn ruwe bolsters blanke pit, de boeven zijn verachtelijke naarlingen, en iedereen gaat met elkaar op de vuist om een discussie te beslechten. De enige vrouw tussen al die mannen zorgt ervoor dat de ruimtevaarders een acceptabel behangetje en interieur aan boord krijgen zodat ze zich ook in de ruimte thuis voelen, gelukkig helemaal niet rolbevestigend.
Soms zijn de gevoelens van de hoofdpersonen onnavolgbaar, het blijft vaak onduidelijk waarom de protagonist boos, ongelukkig en blij op dezelfde bladzijde is. Mede daardoor is het voor mij moeilijk om mijzelf te identificeren en mee te leven met de helden. Op een bepaald moment heb ik zelfs de stille hoop dat de sabotage poging lukt zodat ik het verhaal eindelijk terzijde kan leggen. Maar nee, er moet eerst nog drie of vier keer een aanslag afgewend worden. Ik had allang een andere baan gekozen. Maar klaarblijkelijk had de schrijven nog voldoende inspiratie, want er staan nog twee delen van deze SF-Pulp in de wacht :)

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Booktrack Edition has the added feature of a background music track that follows the drama of the story. The music did not interfere with my enjoyment of the audiobook, and it wasn't half bad either. I think it made the listening experience better because the actual story was a little out of date. The concerns over sabotage of the space program and fighting over space platforms was a real worry back in the day. The danger still exist, I suppose, but the way in which those worries were expressed in the characters of the book are now outmoded. We worry in a different way these days.

The science of this science fiction book was a little lame. It was typical of the time (1953)... a few years before I was born. Don't expect to learn anything about science from this science fiction book. Focus on the characters... the old hellbent for leather pilots and the fawning women who loved them. It actually wasn't that bad, but I'm from a different generation. Your mileage may vary.

I might revisit this book at another time... probably if I am on a Murray Leinster binge.

[Adhoc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its goofy that Leinster thought that there should be ash trays on the space platform, its also goofy that he thought astronauts would cook their own meals on a modified range. Cooking is one thing but pouring and eating is another. He was also fairly impressed with the fax machine which surprisingly was invented in 1843 and first commercialized 1964 roughly 10 years after Space platform was written. The FAX machine in the book is not a household item but is similar to a telegraph in that the fax is received by a station and it is then walked over or driven to the recipient. The slide rule remains the goto method to perform calculations, I guess a little electronic box that performs calculations was beyond imagining yet the first solid-state electronic calculator was created in the early 1960. The automobile is still started by kicking a starter button on the floorboard. I guess my point is that failure of imagination regarding technology is common among scifi writers who are known to have fertile imaginations. Who knows what future technology will bring, it is likely to be unimaginable.

[Chris Aldridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather underwhelming tale of a bunch of 2D characters led by Joe the 50s hero as he thwarts the baddies in their misguided attempts to prevent world peace, by preventing the successful launch of the Space Platform. A combination of patriotic fervour and fisticuffs keeps Joe, his best Gal and a few chums, on a perilous path, though a minefields of meanies, to protect the delicate gyros and thus saving the platform and ultimately the world, via an American controlled atomic deterrence strategy. Presumably intended to be suitable for a younger audience, perhaps it has just not managed to resist becoming dated due to the sad progress of history since its creation.

[Cheryl]

I probably would have enjoyed this adventure when I was a teen in the 70s. I would have liked the engineering ideas especially. But now the attempt at 'diversity' looks more like an exploitive freak show, and the politics have no nuance, and so I just can't.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Space Platform, Murray Leinster describes the United States' secret attempt to launch a human-inhabited satellite that will be the means for creating peace on earth. Not every other country is phased with the idea. Young engineer Joe attempts to bring an important component to the platform construction site only to be confronted with an attempt by someone to sabotage the shipment. It turns out that sabotage is rampant. Joe becomes a member of the platform team and encounters more and more attempts. Will the US get the platform launched? Leinster's description of the technology is interesting and, naturally, a bit dated today. Still the story is entertaining but not outstanding. The LibiVox recording is competent and very listenable.

[BBFlyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A science fiction story from 1953 about building a space station. Nothing like the real world International Space Station, but full of adventure and excitement.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good oldie. Enjoyed!

[Audiobook Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTD7R...

[Wampuscat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written in 1953, a time when the space program was in its fetal stage with weather balloon launches, this book tries to promote a big concept about the burgeoning 'race to space'. I read it because I have become a Murray Leinster fan. I can only give it one star for several reasons... it is VERY dated, it is highly speculative for it's time, but totally WRONG in its conclusions as shown by history, and also, it simply was not that great a story. The plot centers around one 'Good Ole Joe' getting introduced to the Space Platform project because of his father's company making a major component. The main theme is 'sabotage' of the Space Platform by bad guys (Russians, commies, nationalists, and other kool aid servers... drink up) and how Joe saves the day and get's the girl (who's 'swell!'). *groan* If you read it with the ability to put yourself into the mindset of the time it was written, it could be a decent nostalgic sci-fi romp, but I was was not able to do that myself. I read it with more of a Mystery Science Theater 3000 pov... so... no. I can't really recommend it unless you are super nostalgic or really good at carrying on some internal ridicule dialog in your head. Oh well, you win some... you lose some. I did get to try out my kindle text-to-speech feature without feeling too bad about it though. Didn't hate it, but it's only a Meh Read. I will be skipping the sequel, Space Tug.

[Gary Holt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has the classic Leinster hero: the brilliant engineer who can solve all kinds of problems and is cool under fire.

Unfortunately it also has the classic Leinster female lead, who (even more than the obsolete technology and the wildly different engineering) drives home the fact that this book was written a long time ago. She's not at all a dumb broad, but she sure isn't a feminist, and it feels... well, just very dated.

This book was obviously written in the McCarthy era, as you will have pounded into you when you read about the villains and what the heroes are trying to accomplish. This probably more than anything else anchors this book firmly in the 1950s and (unlike, say, Asimov's fiction of that era, or Leinster's better works) makes it impossible to read as anything other than a period piece.

This plot is actually ok, except for those elements. It certainly held my attention. But this book and its sequels are definitely not Leinster's best (read the Med Ship stories, or The Pirates of Ersatz/Zan, or a few others). The hero is a bit too stereotyped and all-conquering, and the villains are too simplistic. The technology is wildly different from what was actually launched a couple of decades later, but that was less jarring than the social differences and the politics.

[Tommy Carlson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, okay, Space Platform isn't horrible. But it's not all that great, either. The first thing to keep in mind is that this isn't a tale set upon some space platform. It's about building a space platform. All the action takes place right here on Earth.

The plot is simply that the protagonists (basically the United States) want to build a space platform to orbit the Earth while the antagonists (other countries) want to stop that effort.

And for what are they going to use this space platform? As a place for experimentation and as a stepping stone to the stars, to be sure. But they also plan to load it up with nuclear weapons, pointed down at Earth, to make everyone else toe the line. Because this is how you achieve world peace.

No, seriously, the book makes this claim over and over. And over.

But, if you can get past the jingoism, the adventure itself horrible. It's not all that great, either. It was just good enough that I kept reading, but I was glad to finish. So, y'know, meh.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When young Joe Kenmore came to Bootstrap to install pilot gyros in the Space Platform he hadn't bargained for sabotage or murder or love. But Joe learned that ruthless agents were determined to wreck the project. He found that the beautiful girl he loved, and men like The Chief, a rugged Indian steelworker, and Mike, a midget who made up for his size by brains, would have to fight with their bare hands to make man's age old dream of space travel come true!

[Daniel Q · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more adventure than science fiction.

The starting idea, US building a space platform to impose peace and democracy into the world, has its points, but its development is too much straightforward for my liking. Few excitements and no big surprises.

Leinster has written better books (like 'Med Ship'). If you want science fiction adventures, Heinlein 'juveniles' are way better.

[Julie Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much technical stuff, not enough adventure. Sorry but I gotta call it like I see it.

[SciFiOne · Rating 3 out of 5]

1980 grade B+
2004 grade C

out of date

[Cindy Bryan]

the book is well written.great for space fans