"I'm into hard sci-fi."

That's Roman from the television show Party Down, a noted advocate of the scientifically sound brand of fiction known as hard sci-fi. In one episode Roman confronts Star Trek's George Takei about the mind meld. "So was there a biophysical principle behind it? Because it kind of seemed like magic. And magic, you know, has no place in sci-fi."

Roman might approve of a forthcoming line of science fiction books from NASA and Tor-Forge books. (Disclosure: Tor-Forge and Scientific American have the same corporate parent.)

The partnership aims to create scientifically accurate novels and to get the word out about NASA missions present and future. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is hosting a workshop in November where authors can learn about NASA missions and the science behind them.

The ultimate goal is to get students interested in science and math. With the hope that some of them will pursue careers in science and technology, just as the classic science fiction of Asimov and Bradbury inspired so many in the past. And if the books can satisfy hard sci-fi fans at the same time, they’ll live long and prosper.

—John Matson

[The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]