Space Jockey

<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

Space Jockey is a science fiction short story written by Robert A. Heinlein, and published in the April 26, 1947 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. It is included in his 1951 collection The Green Hills of Earth and the Future History omnibus The Past Through Tomorrow.

Plot

Spoiler Warning: Plot details and/or information about the ending follow. If you wish to enjoy the work first, stop reading here and return at another time.

Trans-Lunar Transits offers three stage rocket trips to the Moon: Earth to Supra-New York, a small space station in low orbit, Supra-New York to Space Terminal, a luxurious station which orbits the Moon, and finally a short shuttle hop from Space Terminal to the Moon's surface.

Jake Pemberton is a "space jockey," a rocket pilot who flies the Supra-New York to Space Terminal route, despite his wife Phyllis's constant worries over his safety and nagging that he is never home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She wants him to take a job on Earth. He complains about the lack of support she gives him as he leaves on an assignment.

As he ferries passengers and precious cargo for use in the construction of Luna City from Supra-New York to Space Terminal in the Flying Dutchman, Jake, against his better judgment, allows the famous Judge Schacht and his son, a meddlesome thirteen-year-old, to come to the pilot's control room for a tour. Despite Jake's warning not to touch anything, "Junior" Schacht throws the gimbals off and the ship tumbles through space. Jake must carefully gauge his fuel and bring the vessel under control by sighting on stars. He can dump his cargo, and have plenty of fuel for maneuvering, but this would be a black mark against his name. Finally, with the aid of the ship's "one-lung calculator," he matches orbit with Space Terminal with next to no fuel left.

Commodore Soames is impressed with Jake's piloting and offers him a job flying from Space Terminal to the Moon. Jake has always dreamed of this assignment, but doubts Phyllis will want any part of it. He calls her, tells her he is going to take the job. He would like for her to move to Luna City with him, but he understands if she wants a divorce. Phyllis regrets the argument they had before he left Colorado Springs. She loves him very much and will supoort him in his work. She begins to pack immediately. Jake wonders why he ever doubted her.