Science Fiction Themes: Space Travel Part 1

This is part 1 of 2.

This article is the third in a series of articles highlighting traditional themes and concepts of science fiction. Each month we will take an in depth look at one of these themes to help you master and incorporate these important concepts in your writing.

Travel Writing

Space Travel is one of the most popular themes in Science Fiction stories. From our earliest days, human beings have sought to conquer new frontiers. Now, having explored every facet of our own planet, we look to the stars and all the worlds in the universe. Space travel is possible today, but the distances human beings are able to travel in space are relatively short. Science fiction looks ahead to the days when space travel will span longer distances and be more common.

Stories about space travel come in different varieties. Some stories set in the not too distant future envision travel to Mars and other planets in the solar system. Some describe pleasure travel to the moon. More far thinking stories look at space travel of longer distances, sometimes in faster than light spaceships, other times in sublight ships of frozen passengers. There are also such things as generation ships, and some writers look at the possibility of space travel using wormholes and blackholes.

Close to Home

We've already seen human beings set foot on the moon, and one of these days we'll probably get around to taking a stroll on Mars. Many science fiction stories explore the idea of future travel to the moon, Mars, and other points in the solar system.

Mars is one of the most popular destination spots of science fiction writers. The Ultimate Science Fiction Web Guide lists an astounding 203 stories and books about Mars and this listing is nowhere near complete. The red planet is definitely an interesting topic to explore because of all the planets in our solar system it is perhaps the most similar to Earth. It is also a place that we do not know enough about. This is where speculative fiction comes in. With known science as a foundation, a science fiction writer can create an engaging story about a manned space flight to Mars.

Especially with these near space stories, known science is very important. In these stories, we are talking about space travel that is probably not too far away. Writers will want to acquaint themselves with current space travel as well as future plans. Fortunately, there are some excellent resources available online.

Go To Page: 1 2 3