The Outward Urge

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The Outward Urge is a science fiction novel by John Wyndham, consisting of linked short stories originally published in four issues of "New Worlds Science Fiction." Released in 1959, a fifth chapter was later added, initially published as a separate story in November 1960. The work was credited to both Wyndham and the pen-name Lucas Parkes, which Wyndham had used earlier in his career. This collection leans towards hard science fiction, diverging from Wyndham's typical style, prompting publishers to use both names. Set between 1994 and 2194, the narrative unfolds in 50-year intervals, chronicling humanity's exploration of space, including Earth orbit space stations, moon bases, and landings on Mars in 2094, Venus in 2144, and the asteroids. The Troon family, driven by "the outward urge" to explore, plays a central role in this journey. They are depicted as hearing "the thin gnat-voices cry, star to faint star across the sky," a quote from Rupert Brooke's The Jolly Company. The story begins with "Ticker" Troon, who is killed while thwarting a Soviet missile attack on a British space station in 1994, posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross. By 2044, a nuclear war devastates the Northern Hemisphere, leading Brazil to claim dominance in space, only to face competition from Australia later on.