Maneuver I- Engines Engaged.

Traveling on the plane of the ecliptic as it will throughout the journey to Mars (c. 6 months by the authors' estimation), the main ship and its smaller companion engage their engines and begin departure from Earth orbital space.

They see the ruddy sunset over Peru and the Amazon below, a foreshadowing of the next world they will find in the heavens.

The Exploraton of Mars cost $5.95 in 1956. Adjusted for inflation, that's $46.44.