← Back to Concept Index

communication-monitoring

Rebels monitor and record increased radio traffic from communications satellites following the cable's failure.

1 chapter across 1 book

Red Mars (1992)Kim Stanley Robinson

# #

The chapter depicts the aftermath of a catastrophic event involving the fall of a massive cable structure, likely a space elevator, which is monitored by a group of characters analyzing its trajectory and timing. The cable's fall is complicated by oscillations caused by Phobos, making its path unpredictable and rendering it invisible except as a line of fire. The characters reflect on the loss of the structure, referred to as 'Phyllis's bridge,' signaling the end of a significant technological achievement.