Science fiction often explores the vast expanse of space, generation ships, and galactic dogfights. But, what if we simply gave up on navigating the stars?

The Last Astronaut by David Wellington is a thrilling, near-future science fiction novel that explores a future where manned missions to space have become a thing of the past. Except now, an unknown object has arrived in our solar system.

For ex-astronaut Sally Jensen, this means executing a mission into space that no one could possibly be prepared for. We thought we no longer needed her . . .

Design by Lauren Panepinto; Images by Arcangel

Sally Jensen, the last astronaut to travel beyond our orbit, must build, train, and lead her team on the first mission to make first contact with an alien object. 

It entered our solar system, slowed down off the rings of Saturn, and began a steady approach towards Earth.

Having forsaken manned missions the space programs of the world scramble to meet the visitor by enlisting forcefully-retired NASA legend Sally Jansen, the only person with the first-hand knowledge and operational experience capable of meeting this new visitor and finding out its purpose.

With no time to spare she must plan and execute a mission from scratch and lead a crew with no experience farther than mankind has ever travelled to make contact.

But each passing day brings it closer to home.

THE LAST ASTRONAUT launches in May 2019.