Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition

# Astounding Science Fiction, Vol. XI No. 9 (British Edition, September 1955)

This issue features "The Long Way Home" by Poul Anderson (first of four parts), a science fiction serial following the crew of the experimental spaceship Explorer. The narrative centers on Captain Edward Langley and crew members including engineer Robert Matsumoto, physicist James Blaustein, and Saris Hronna, a non-human alien creature. The crew discovers their superdrive has misfired, leaving them a third of a light-year from Earth's sun when they should have arrived within normal distance. The story explores Langley's longing to return home to his wife Peggy and their unseen child, framed against the dangers and mysteries of space exploration.

Also included: "The Stutterer" by R. R. Merliss (novelette), "The Players" by Everett B. Cole (novelette), and "The Plains of San Augustine" by Lee Correy (short story). The editorial by John W. Campbell Jr., "Point of Diminishing Returns," examines research priorities and risk assessment in scientific ventures, discussing the allocation of human effort and resources across competing projects.