TOM SWIFT AND THE
COSMIC ASTRONAUTS

by VICTOR APPLETON II

Tom Swift's newest exploit begins in the Australian desert where a scientific failure unveils a fantastic discovery, a new form of cosmic particle that promises to revo- lutionize travel in space. But before the young inventor can harness the new propulsion principle he receives dismaying news. The Sea Charger, a huge oceanic research vessel, has vanished during her maiden voyage. Her crew of 141 is lost in the Pacific without a trace!
    Baffled by the mystery, Tom continues work on his cosmic-ray craft, the Space Kite. A space tryout turns deadly as astronauts Tom and Bud Barclay are sent hurtling out of control by a cosmic storm.
    Will they survive to conquer the sinister forces arrayed against them, directed by the enigmatic Li Ching, a man without a country? The climax comes in the icy Sea of Siberia, where Tom must find a way to trap a ghost!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx