# Astro — Stand by for Mars! character guide > Astro in Stand by for Mars! by Carey Rockwell. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Cadet Astro **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot A big Venusian cadet with a short fuse and a loyal heart, Astro would rather settle a score with his fists than watch his unit fall apart. ## Who they are Astro is the muscle and the warmth of the Polaris unit, quick to hug Tom in triumph and quicker to threaten Roger with a head used as a ball. He argues that it's two against one, and he isn't wrong — but he also can't hide how much he needs the unit to work. His blunt honesty is the counterweight to Roger's polish, and the story leans on it whenever the team is on the edge. ## Relationships ### [Tom Corbett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tom_corbett) _friendship_ Best friends and loyal crewmates, with Astro often acting as the strong, dependable support for Tom. ### [Roger Manning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/roger_manning) _friendship_ Fellow cadets and friends, though their relationship includes occasional friction due to Roger's sharp wit and Astro's seriousness. ### [Steve Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/steve_strong) _friendship_ Good friends and fellow cadets, with a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. ### [Lady Venus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/lady_venus) _social_ Acquaintances through Tom, with Astro being wary of Lady Venus's manipulative nature. ### [Tony Richards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tony_richards) _friendship_ Friends and fellow cadets, with a bond strengthened by shared experiences at the Academy. ### [Tom Corbett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tom_corbett) _friendship_ Best friends and loyal crewmates, with Astro often acting as the strong, dependable support for Tom. ### [Roger Manning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/roger_manning) _friendship_ Fellow cadets and friends, though their relationship includes occasional friction due to Roger's sharp wit and Astro's seriousness. ### [Roger Manning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/roger_manning) _friendship_ Fellow cadets and friends, though their relationship includes occasional friction due to Roger's sharp wit and Astro's seriousness. ### [Tom Corbett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tom_corbett) _friendship_ Best friends and loyal crewmates, with Astro often acting as the strong, dependable support for Tom. ### [Steve Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/steve_strong) _friendship_ Good friends and fellow cadets, with a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. ### [Steve Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/steve_strong) _friendship_ Good friends and fellow cadets, with a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. ### [Tony Richards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tony_richards) _friendship_ Friends and fellow cadets, with a bond strengthened by shared experiences at the Academy. ## In the story ### [Arrival at Space Academy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/i) Astro is tricked by Manning into carrying his luggage, then berated by McKenny. He later befriends Tom and Philip Morgan. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/ii) Struggles with the classification test, is shown sweating over a question, and later groggily wakes up on the first morning, concerned about breakfast. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/iii) Astro is praised for his manual skill on the power deck, described as an artist in his domain. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/iv) Clashes with Roger, shows loyalty to Tom, and defers to Tom for the fight. ### [The Boxing Match](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/v) Acts as referee, supports Tom, and expresses disgust at Roger's behavior. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/vi) Astro struggles with the theoretical power-deck manual, expressing frustration that he can only understand engines through hands-on experience. His performance is critical to the unit's success. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/vii) Passes his power-deck manual exam and celebrates with Tom and Roger. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/viii) Astro is frustrated with Roger's behavior and wants a transfer, but agrees to give Roger another chance after Tom's revelation. ### [The Polaris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/ix) Discovers the powerful rocket motors on the power deck and shows enthusiasm for the ship. ### [The Mercuryball Semifinal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/x) The large Venusian cadet; plays aggressively, confronts Roger about his selfish play, and helps set up scoring opportunities. ### [Atom City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xi) Enjoys the leave; physically restrains Roger at the hotel; stands up to Captain James; eager for the space maneuvers. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xii) On power deck, maintains engines and offers to increase speed via bypass; engages in banter with Roger. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xiii) Provides technical insight about the Lady Venus and prepares jet boats for boarding. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xiv) Goes missing; later deduced to be on the power deck trying to repair the ship. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xv) Provides technical support and encouragement from inside the ship, monitoring the Geiger counter. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xvi) Reports the radiation issue, chooses to ride the ship down, and reminisces about his past on Mars. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xvii) Uses his strength to lift the casing off Roger and provides knowledge of Martian sandstorms. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xviii) Repairs the generator, shares his harsh orphaned childhood, and ultimately earns Roger's respect and friendship. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xix) Files through the hatch hinges, crawls through the sand tunnel using a hose for air, demonstrates strength and determination. ### [Descent into the New Sahara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xx) Shows physical resilience; agrees to the plan and supports his unit-mates. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xxi) Carries Roger across the desert, maintains determination, and fosters unity among the trio. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xxii) Catches a fish with his bare hands, provides strength and leadership, and helps build the raft. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/astro - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters