Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel
Matt Cruse is back for his most dangerous expedition yet - into outer space! Boy-pilot Matt Cruse is looking forward to spending a peaceful summer with Kate de Vries. Until they are offered the chance of a lifetime to join the first expedition into space aboard the incredible ship Starclimber. But many challenges stand in the way: passing the gruelling tests to become astralnauts; facing attacks by fanatical Babelites opposed to the space race; and the unknown dangers that could be lurking in space. They will have to fight all the way. And even if they survive the journey into space, will they be able to return?