Could NASA scientists build an elevator to space? Science fiction author William Forstchen explores that and many other cosmic questions in his newest novel, "Pillar to the Sky" (Tor Books, February 2014).

"Pillar to the Sky" is the first book released under the NASA-Inspired Works of Fiction program, an initiative to pair up scientists and authors to create exciting, and science-minded fiction. The book follows two scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as they go on a mission to make their space elevator concept into a reality.

Forstchen wrote about space elevators for "Boy's Life" magazine in the 1980s and he is a professor of history at Montreat College in North Carolina. Forstchen has co-authored books with former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, and he also authored "One Second After," a science fiction novel about the dangers of an electromagnetic pulse-emitting weapon. Forstchen and his publisher Tor Books send Space.com this one-chapter preview of "Pillar to the Sky," which is now available in stores and online:

CHAPTER 1 Eighteen Years Earlier Goddard Space Flight Center

"Dr. Rothenberg?"

Erich Rothenberg, director of the division of advanced propulsion designs, and who oversaw interns assigned to the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts, looked up over the top of his wire-framed glasses. There was no welcoming smile, just a cool gaze as Gary Morgan stood nervously in the doorway.

"So you are one of my new interns for the summer?" Erich asked. "I already told them there is no need for interns hereat least, those who want a solid future. May I suggest you just go back to the personnel office and ask for a different assignment."

Gary didn't move. He had been warned by "veterans" who had served as interns with Dr. Rothenberg that this was his typical greeting, the first winnowing-out process in which more than one graduate student had taken him at his word and fled.

He stood his ground.

"I volunteered for this division, sir. It is why I came to Goddard for the summer and asked to be assigned to you."

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Book Preview: 'A Look at 'Pillar to the Sky' by William Forstchen