Flight to Mars 1951

Launch of the Mars Expedition

The first expedition to Mars launches from Earth, carrying Dr. Lane, Professor Jackson, Jim Barker, Carol Stafford, and journalist Steve Abbott. The crew is assembled to study Mars and report on the historic mission. They depart for the red planet with high hopes and careful preparations.

Meteor Storm Disrupts Contact and Systems

A meteor storm strikes, disabling the landing gear and radio. The crew loses contact with Earth and faces a perilous period of isolation. They must decide how to proceed with the mission under these dire conditions.

Decision to Continue to Mars

In the ship’s bridge, the crew debates their options after the storm. They choose to push on toward Mars and complete the mission rather than turn back. The decision locks them into a course that could mean they never return home.

Crash-Landing on Mars

The crew crash-lands on the Martian surface but survives the impact. They assess damage and begin to secure shelter and communicate as best they can. The landing marks the start of their unexpected stay.

First Contact with Martians

Five Martians greet the Earth crew at an above-ground structure. Ikron, the planet’s council president, explains that Martians learned Earth languages from broadcasts and can communicate in English. He hints at deeper motives behind the contact.

Underground Martian City and Corium

The Earth crew is taken to a vast underground city sustained by life-support systems fed by Corium. Tillamar, a former president and council advisor, and Terris show them around as they begin to understand Martian technology. The crew realizes the scale of the Martian civilization.

Earth Crew Seeks Martian Repair Help

The expedition members request help repairing their ship, hoping to return home. They are impressed but wary of the Martians’ power sources and capabilities. The council contemplates their fate while considering the ethical implications.

Corium Depletion and Plan for Martian Fleet

Ikron reveals that Corium is nearly depleted. He proposes reproducing the Earthship to create a Martian fleet that can evacuate their people, effectively enslaving Earth in the process. The plan sets the stage for a political power play inside the council.

Captivity of Earth Crew During Repairs

The council votes to adopt Ikron's plan and holds the Earthmen captive while repairs proceed. Alita, a leading Martian scientist, is put in charge of the ship. Ikron begins using Terris as a spy to monitor progress.

Jim and Alita Sabotage to Delay Repairs

Jim, with Alita’s help, stages a fake explosion aboard to slow the repairs. Their ruse buys time to rethink their escape options. The action raises tensions and jeopardizes their already precarious situation.

Blast-Off Announcement and New Alliance

Jim announces that blast-off for Earth is scheduled for the next day and surprises the crew by revealing Tillamar and Alita will accompany them, with Alita becoming Jim’s wife. The plan signals a potential shift in Martian leadership and future relations.

Terris Narrows Suspicions and Alita is Held

Terris reports suspicious Martian behavior to Ikron, leading to Alita and Tillamar being detained. The humans’ trust frays as intramartian politics escalate. The situation becomes more dangerous for the Earth crew.

Confrontation at the Ship’s Gangway

Jim frees Alita and Tillamar and confronts the Martian guards at the ship’s gangway. A brief confrontation ensues as they try to secure passage off world. Ikron’s broader scheme remains unresolved as they prepare to leave.