Science Fiction Realities in My Writing
Science fiction has always been a genre where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur, allowing writers to explore what might be possible in the future. When I set out to write my science fiction novel, The Moonshot Saga: Earthbound, I knew I wanted to root the story in real-world science and technology, using these elements to create a narrative that felt both fantastical and plausible. One of the key inspirations for my novel was the concept of the Kessler Syndrome—a real-world phenomenon that has the potential to dramatically impact space exploration and our future as a spacefaring species.
The Kessler Syndrome: A Brief History
The Kessler Syndrome, named after NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler, refers to a theoretical scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) is so high that collisions between objects could cause a cascade effect. Each collision would generate more debris, increasing the likelihood of further collisions, and eventually leading to a scenario where LEO becomes so polluted with debris that space activities could be severely hindered or even impossible. Kessler first proposed this idea in 1978, and while it remains a theoretical concern, the increasing number of satellites, space missions, and debris in orbit makes it a more pressing issue with each passing year.
Bringing the Kessler Syndrome to Life in The Moonshot Saga
Incorporating the Kessler Syndrome into my novel allowed me to explore the potential consequences of humanity's growing presence in space. I was fascinated by the idea that the very technology meant to advance our civilization could also lead to its undoing. This theme of unintended consequences is central to the plot of The Moonshot Saga: Earthbound, where the remnants of humanity's failed Dyson Sphere Project have created a massive field of debris around Earth, threatening the future of space exploration.
What made this scenario unique in my story was that it wasn't just a backdrop—it was the driving force behind the plot. After relocating Earth’s citizens to the Moon, now known as Earth 2.0, humanity had settled comfortably into everyday lunar life. AI technology had revolutionized society, bringing about a surge in automation, finance, and business efficiency. The economy on Earth 2.0 had never been more stable. However, this stability was threatened by the growing cloud of debris encircling the original Earth, a reminder of the challenges that still needed to be overcome.
The Plot: A Race Against Time
In my novel, the stakes are raised when NASA announces a significant change to its annual competition, which challenges students to solve the most pressing scientific and technological issues. This year, the challenge is more urgent than ever—students have only one month, instead of the usual six, to come up with a solution to clear the massive amounts of debris surrounding Earth's atmosphere. This debris, a byproduct of humanity's ambitious but failed Dyson Sphere Project, poses an existential threat to space exploration and the continued prosperity of Earth 2.0.
We follow Hazel and Pearl, two students at Luna Vista University, as they take on this daunting challenge. Their journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns as they use their creativity, resourcefulness, and determination to tackle a problem that could determine the fate of humanity's future in space.
