Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield is set to release "Final Orbit," the third novel in his bestselling alternate-history thriller series. The book, which continues the story of protagonist Kaz Zemeckis, will explore a fictional crisis during the historic 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission. It is scheduled for release on October 7, 2025.
The new thriller blends Cold War espionage with the technical details of spaceflight, introducing a clandestine Chinese space mission that complicates the delicate cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union. Hadfield draws on extensive historical research to create a story grounded in the realities of the era's space programs.
Key Takeaways
- "Final Orbit" is the third book in Chris Hadfield's "The Apollo Murders" series.
- The story is set during the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, a symbol of US-Soviet détente.
- The plot involves an international incident triggered by a secret Chinese astronaut launch.
- The novel will be published by Mulholland Books and released on October 7, 2025.
A New Cold War Thriller Set in Space
"Final Orbit" continues the narrative established in Hadfield's previous books, "The Apollo Murders" (2021) and "The Defector" (2023). The story returns to flight controller and former test pilot Kazimieras "Kaz" Zemeckis, who finds himself at the center of a high-stakes incident in Earth orbit.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Apollo-Soyuz mission, a real-world event where American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts docked their spacecraft in a display of international cooperation. Hadfield's fictional account introduces a new element: China's first secret human spaceflight, which leads to a catastrophic accident threatening the joint US-Soviet mission and escalating global tensions.
Hadfield on the Craft of Writing
In discussing his development as an author, Hadfield compared the process to his early days as a pilot. He explained that, like learning to fly high-performance aircraft, writing initially involves an overwhelming amount of information where everything seems equally important.
"Like when I learned to fly high performance airplanes, F-18s and such, at first every single thing is equally important and you don't know how to prioritize," Hadfield told Space.com. "Like anything, when you get better at it, you gain all those skills."
This evolution is reflected in his writing efficiency. Hadfield noted that the first draft for his debut novel, "The Apollo Murders," was 195,000 words, which was later edited down to 135,000. He feels his writing has become more focused and effective with each book.
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project
The Apollo-Soyuz mission in July 1975 was the first joint spaceflight between the United States and the Soviet Union. It marked the symbolic end of the Space Race and was a major step in détente during the Cold War. The mission involved an Apollo Command/Service Module and a Soyuz capsule docking in orbit, allowing the crews to visit each other's spacecraft.
Historical Accuracy and Deep Research
A key feature of Hadfield's series is its foundation in meticulous historical research. For "Final Orbit," he explored the political climate of the mid-1970s, including the transition from the Nixon to the Ford administration and the status of the abandoned Skylab space station.
His research led him to incorporate the early Chinese space program as a third major player in the story. He discovered the history of Qian Xuesen, a pivotal figure in both American and Chinese rocketry.
The Story of Qian Xuesen
Qian Xuesen was a brilliant scientist who helped establish Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He was even part of the U.S. government's Operation Paperclip, tasked with evaluating German rocket scientists after World War II.
Hadfield described the U.S. decision to deport Qian as a "horrific mistake" that directly led to the rapid development of China's aerospace and nuclear capabilities. This real-world history of espionage and political maneuvering provides a rich, factual basis for the fictional events in "Final Orbit."
"The fact that he went back and was absolutely fundamental in setting up the Chinese nuclear portage and the Chinese space program was just incredible," Hadfield said.
The Continuing Adventures of Kaz Zemeckis
The series' protagonist, Kaz Zemeckis, serves as Hadfield's lens for exploring this alternate history. Grounded by a medical issue, Kaz operates from the sidelines, giving the author the narrative freedom to place him in various high-stakes situations.
According to Hadfield, Kaz is a composite character, embodying the traits of many fighter pilots, test pilots, and astronauts he has known throughout his career. This connection to real-world personalities allows for a more authentic and relatable character at the heart of the space-based thrillers.
Hadfield also hinted at the future of the character, suggesting that the rich backstory he has created for Kaz could even lead to a prequel novel. For now, readers can look forward to Kaz's next adventure when "Final Orbit" is released in bookstores on October 7, 2025.