The Polaris explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Ambition and Dreams

  The awarding of the Polaris represents the culmination of the cadets' hard work and their aspirations to become spacemen.

• Teamwork and Unity

  Tom's hope to achieve unity among the unit is highlighted as they work together during the flight.

Characters to notice

• Tom Corbett

  Leads the exploration of the Polaris and serves as acting skipper during the first flight.

• Roger Manning

  Explores the radar bridge and expresses mixed feelings about the ship's equipment.

• Astro

  Discovers the powerful rocket motors on the power deck and shows enthusiasm for the ship.

• Steve Strong

  Oversees the cadets' first flight, provides guidance, and explains the ship's armament.

• Warrant Officer McKenny

  Presents the Polaris to the unit and encourages them to board.

Key passages

• ““There she is,” said the stubby spaceman, pointing to the gleaming spaceship resting not two hundred feet away. “Rocket cruiser Polaris. The newest and fastest ship in space.””

  McKenny presents the Polaris, describing it as the fastest ship in space.

  The unit is formally awarded the Polaris.

• ““Do we!” cried Tom, and made a headlong dash for the scaffold. Astro let out one of his famous yells and followed right at his heels. Roger watched them running ahead and started off at a slow walk, but suddenly, no longer able to resist, he broke into a dead run.”

  The cadets excitedly race to board the Polaris.

  Shows their eagerness and the beginning of their bond with the ship.

• ““Say look at this!” cried Tom. He stood in front of the control board and ran his hands over the buttons and switches. “This board makes the manual we worked on at the Academy look like it’s ready for Galaxy Hall!””

  Tom marvels at the advanced control board of the Polaris.

  Highlights the technological superiority of the ship.

• ““Ah⁠—you’ve got a touch of space fever,” laughed Astro. “You’d better take it easy, pal.” Tom suppressed a smile. Now, for the first time, he felt that there was a chance to achieve unity among them. Kill him with kindness, he thought, that’s the way to do it.”

  Tom senses an opportunity for the unit to bond and decides to use kindness to foster unity.

  Tom's internal strategy for team cohesion.

• ““Touchdown!” yelled Tom. “Cut everything, fellas, and come up and sign the log. We made it⁠—our first hop into space! We’re spacemen!””

  Tom announces their successful landing and declares them spacemen.

  Celebration of their first spaceflight.