Discovery of a Signal: An intercepted signal coming from the Moon is a classic, high-stakes science fiction trigger, a compelling event that triggers this (fictional) mission to the Moon.

The NASA/ESA angle: This is an ambiguous signal—perhaps complex, repeating patterns similar to the fictional "DNA-style" signals sometimes theorized in other contexts, that are only initially picked up by a deep-space network or a specific lunar-observing mission. The ambiguity necessitates a manned mission to investigate.

HAL and the ARK's Role: Our idea of HAL and the ARK being the only entities with the data and computing power to decode or properly survey the signal's source is cinematic gold. This creates a reliance on the specialized crew and technology, justifying their central role in the mission.

Evidence of Life: The discovery of evidence of other life on the Moon is a monumental event that would instantly trigger a high-priority mission.

The Nature of the Find: This might not be a living organism, but a biosignature—perhaps an unexpected concentration of organic molecules, fossils in an ice sample from a permanently shadowed crater, or a unique biological byproduct found by a robotic lander or rover (like the kind used in current Mars or icy moon exploration proposals). All of these possibilities are for John Storm to discover and interpret.

HAL and the ARK's Role: If the discovery is a subtle anomaly in vast datasets (e.g., spectral analysis of lunar dust or ice), the advanced data processing capabilities of HAL and the ARK would be crucial for initial identification and later, for guiding the human investigation on the lunar surface. This adds a layer of mystery and technical necessity.

Edwin Rice, grows more enamored of John Storm and Professor Elias Vance, as these missions develop into a full blown NASA (supported) survey of the Moon and Mars. At first, he thought Anya Sharma was taking rather more of a risk, than she might, as the Chief executive officer at NASA. He almost has a heart attack during the Moon mission, when the SpaceArk is attacked by a rogue drone, propped up by multiple coffees and burgers. After that, and the spectacular landing by HAL, he begins to believe in miracles. Then the Mars mission stretches him even further.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Edwin Reyes (professional alias: Edwin Rice)

Date of Birth: 12 March 1970

Residence: Clear Lake, Houston, Texas – within minutes of Johnson Space Center

Marital Status: Divorced; maintains amicable friendship with Dr. Laura Chen, senior systems engineer at JSC

Nationality: American


Professional Summary

Visionary aerospace leader with over 30 years of experience in mission planning, systems integration, and human spaceflight operations. Currently serving as NASA Mission Director for Lunar and Mars Programs, overseeing Artemis and exploratory Mars initiatives. Known for blending rigorous technical oversight with inspirational leadership, ensuring mission safety while advancing humanity’s reach beyond Earth.

Key Skills

- Mission Operations Leadership: Directed multi-disciplinary teams for Artemis lunar landings and Mars mission simulations.

- Systems Integration: Expertise in spacecraft avionics, propulsion, and life-support systems.

- Communication & Crisis Management: Renowned for calm, decisive leadership during high-stakes mission anomalies.

- Scientific Collaboration: Bridges engineering with planetary science, ensuring exploration objectives align with research goals.

- Policy & Strategy: Advises on international space law, mission charters, and interagency cooperation.


Career History

NASA Johnson Space Center – Houston, TX

Mission Director, Lunar & Mars Programs (2018–Present)

Oversaw Artemis missions to the Moon, including crewed landings and orbital operations.

Directed Mars mission architecture, integrating propulsion, habitat, and life-support systems.

Coordinated with international partners (ESA, JAXA, SpaceX) for joint exploration initiatives.

Deputy Director, Mission Operations Directorate (2012–2018)

Managed ISS operations, ensuring crew safety and scientific productivity.

Introduced advanced AI-assisted monitoring systems for spacecraft telemetry.

Flight Director, Mission Control Center (2002–2012)

Served as lead flight director for multiple Shuttle and ISS missions.

Gained reputation for “steady hand” during critical EVA (spacewalk) contingencies.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems – Denver, CO

Senior Systems Engineer (1995–2002)

Designed avionics and propulsion subsystems for deep-space probes.

Contributed to Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter design reviews.


Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering – MIT (1995)

M.S. in Systems Engineering – Rice University, Houston (1992)

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering – University of Texas at Austin (1990)

Publications & Contributions
“Mission Architecture for Human Mars Exploration” – Journal of Space Policy, 2021

“AI Integration in Mission Control” – IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2016

Contributor to NASA’s Artemis Program Charter


Personal Interests

Amateur historian of the Apollo program; maintains a private archive of mission memorabilia.

Passionate sailor on Galveston Bay, finding parallels between navigating oceans and space.

Advocates for STEM outreach, mentoring young engineers at Rice University.

Maintains warm friendship with Dr. Laura Chen, a trusted colleague at JSC.

Known among peers as “Rice” for simplicity, though Reyes remains his formal surname.

Balances pragmatic mission oversight with philosophical reflections on humanity’s destiny among the stars.

Serves as a steady counterpoint to John Storm’s more mythic, adventurous persona.

CAST 0F CHARACTERS

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This website is Copyright © October 2025 Planet Earth Trust..

This is a work of fiction, the characters are the product of the authors imagination, except where real or historical persons are included

But where that may be so, the thoughts and actions of those persons is fictional and not those of any historical or real person.