The second Tom Corbett, Space Cadet adventure. ***** At Space Academy, cadet Tom Corbett and his pals Roger and Astro are at the top of their class. So whenever there's an important - and possibly dangerous - mission to be handed out, the crew of the Polaris “sticks out like a hot rocket.” But this time the “Best Unit” in the Academy may be in over their heads. They've been placed under the command of Major “Blast-Off” Connel, a legendary spaceman who seems determined to cut the boys down to size. After their ship is refitted for hyperdrive, the crew of the Polaris heads into deep space for Alpha Centauri. Awaiting them are disciplinary demerits, planetary perils, a run-in with a pair of pirates, and enough trouble to last Roger Manning a lifetime!