# Tom Corbett — Stand by for Mars! character guide > Tom Corbett in Stand by for Mars! by Carey Rockwell. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Tom, Corbett, Cadet Corbett, Cadet Tom Corbett **First appearance:** 0000-i ## Snapshot A cadet who wants nothing more than to be a real spaceman, Tom Corbett must hold his fractious unit together before it ever reaches orbit. ## Who they are Tom is the steady center of the newly formed Polaris unit, the one Captain Strong calls a natural command pilot. His hunger to wear the blues of a Space Cadet is genuine, but so is his fear that Roger's arrogance and Astro's temper will wreck all three of them. He keeps choosing the unit over his own pride, which is exactly the instinct that will be tested once the Polaris leaves the ground. ## Relationships ### [Roger Manning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/roger_manning) _friendship_ Close friends and fellow space cadets, often working together on missions despite their contrasting personalities. ### [Astro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/astro) _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_ Trusted friends and fellow Space Academy cadets, with Steve often serving as a steadying influence on Tom. ### [Tony Richards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tony_richards) _friendship_ Fellow cadets and friends, often interacting during training and social activities at the Academy. ### [Lady Venus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/lady_venus) _romantic_ Lady Venus is a mysterious and alluring woman who shows romantic interest in Tom, creating tension and intrigue. ### [Al Dixon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/al_dixon) _friendship_ Friends and fellow cadets, with Al often participating in group activities and missions. ### [Philip Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/philip_morgan) _rivalry_ Philip Morgan is a rival cadet who often competes with Tom for top honors and leadership roles. ### [Roger Manning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/roger_manning) _friendship_ Close friends and fellow space cadets, often working together on missions despite their contrasting personalities. ### [Astro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/astro) _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_ Close friends and fellow space cadets, often working together on missions despite their contrasting personalities. ### [Astro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/astro) _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_ Trusted friends and fellow Space Academy cadets, with Steve often serving as a steadying influence on Tom. ## In the story ### [Arrival at Space Academy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/i) Tom is the first to step off the slidestairs, drawing McKenny's ire. He befriends Astro and Philip Morgan, and takes the Academy oath. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/ii) Takes the classification test, feels pressure and anger at Roger Manning's quick completion, and later tries to get Astro out of bed on the first morning. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/iii) Corbett is noted for his quick grasp of essentials and potential as a top spaceman, but is part of the friction in the unit. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/iv) Acts as arbiter between Roger and Astro, tries to keep the unit together, and accepts Roger's challenge to fight. ### [The Boxing Match](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/v) Fights Roger in a boxing match, wins but fails to reconcile. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/vi) Tom takes his control-deck manual examination first, showing nervousness but performing well. He also tries to help Astro study, acting as peacemaker within the unit. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/vii) Confronts Roger about his manipulation of Astro and his betting scheme. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/viii) Tom argues with Astro about Roger, decides to see Captain Strong, but changes his mind after finding Roger crying in Galaxy Hall. ### [The Polaris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/ix) Leads the exploration of the Polaris and serves as acting skipper during the first flight. ### [The Mercuryball Semifinal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/x) Captain of the Polaris unit; leads the team, tries to encourage teamwork, and scores the winning goal in the semifinal. ### [Atom City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xi) Ponders Roger's strange behavior toward Mr. Bernard; leads the group in Atom City; receives the recall order from Captain Strong. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xii) Assumes command of the defending fleet, devises a strategic defense plan, and executes maneuvers with skill. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xiii) Prepares emergency equipment and assists Captain Strong in coordinating the rescue. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xiv) Organizes the passenger evacuation by alphabetical order and decides to stay behind to find Astro. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xv) Leads the dangerous mission to cut away the rocket tube, showing initiative and courage. ### [Chapter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xvi) Takes command of the Lady Venus, makes the critical decision to ride the ship down, and later confronts Roger about his motivations. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xvii) Leads the group after the crash, rescues Roger, and organizes survival efforts. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xviii) Tries to keep the unit focused on survival, mediates between Roger and Astro, and learns the truth about Roger's father. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xix) Leads the escape efforts, suggests digging and using the hose, coordinates the team's actions. ### [Descent into the New Sahara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xx) Takes charge of water rationing and navigation; leads the decision to march to the canal. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xxi) Leads the group with a compass, loses his sight to sand, and relies on Astro for guidance. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/chapters/xxii) Leads the group, builds the raft, and remembers to get canal water as a souvenir for his brother. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters/tom_corbett - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stand_by_for_mars_se/characters