The Falling Astronauts

The space program has finally lost its novelty, and a jaded public hardly notices another moon launch. Skilful PR men preserve the illusion that the missions have become routine. But astronaut Richard Martin can tell a different story. Of panic in deep space, of crewmen pushed beyond breaking point, of official indifference towards his own shattered life. Martin is effectively put under wraps - until the pilot of a moon capsule, loaded with nuclear weaponry goes berserk and a nightmare develops, threatening to engulf the world - a nightmare that only Martin could end.

©1971 Barry N. Malzberg (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Devastating satirical spin on the Apollo program

I've never read a novel so acidly critical of the Apollo space program. This approach would ring absolutely true of musk's space company, not so much the actual efforts in the 1970s Malzberg is attacking. Still a fascinating slow burn which is very disturbing by the final act.