New Worlds Science Fiction, June 1960

About this issue

This issue features several science fiction stories set primarily in space. The lead novelet is "Grapeliner" by James White, depicting operations aboard a spacecraft ferrying passengers from Earth orbit. The narrative follows Captain Woodhill and Sister Gallagher as they rendezvous with a ferry rocket to receive the latest batch of human passengers—individuals being transported in sedated states within protective capsules due to radiation hazards. The story explores themes of space travel logistics, radiation exposure risks, the psychological toll on ferry pilots, and the aging Captain's determination to stay mentally sharp. A biologist joining her husband on Mars requires triple sedation due to nervousness. The story includes references to ongoing reports of unidentified spacecraft sightings, including one claimed by a deteriorating ex-captain on Ganymede. The issue also contains stories by Robert Presslie ("Confession is Good"), Roy Robinson and J.A. Sones ("Aberration"), and Donald Malcolm ("Almost Obsolete"), plus an article on Mars by Kenneth Johns and a reader feedback feature.