From Timna to Mars

the long version

The free world industrial revolution is endangered by the earth's fast consumption of rare earth elements. Professor Avner Amram's scientists develop a sophisticated spectroscopic instrument that can detect the presence of critical rare earth elements in asteroids. CIA, KGB and Mossad agents are entangled in spying and counter intelligence while searching for stolen plans and technology secrets related to space missions. Avner and his associates are drawn into the mayhem encountering espionage, intrigues, and murders as they prepare for unmanned space probes in a search for rare earth metals. Secrets leaked to Russia result in a race of unmanned probes to Mars and asteroids. Avner's team reaches a resolution with unexpected conclusions.