Baker, A.J.: Sensor system specialist for the Ares Project with a specialty in micro/nano technologies, especially in the area of independent networked sensor nodes called "smart dust"; married to Helen Sutter.
Buckley, Joe: Electromechanical engineer for the Ares Project; married to Madeline Fathom.
Conley, Larry: Astronomer/astrophysicist for the Ares Project; formerly with NASA; discoverer of Bemmie Ceres base.
Fathom, Madeline: Chief of security, Interplanetary Research Institute (IRI); formerly an agent for the United States' Homeland Investigation Authority; married to Joe Buckley.
Glendale, Nicholas: Paleontologist; Director of the IRI.
Irwin, Bruce: Captain of the IRI vessel Nobel.
Sutter, Helen: Paleontologist; discover of Bemmius secordii; chief xenobiological researcher for the IRI; married to A.J. Baker.
Secord, Jackie: Chief engineer of the IRI vessel Nobel.
Bitteschell, Helmut: Vice-president of European Union's European Commission and Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry; the effective head of the E.U.'s space program.
Eberhart, Horst: Chief engine and control systems programmer for the E.U. vessel Odin.
Fitzgerald, Richard: Chief of security for the Odin.
Hohenheim, Alberich: General in E.U. space program; captain of the Odin.
LaPointe, Anthony: Astronomer/astrophysicist; part of the Odin's scientific contingent.
Modofori, Leo: One of Fitzgerald's security team for the Odin.
Osterhoudt, Goswin: Chief Operations Officer, European Space Development Company.
Svendsen, Mia: Chief engineer of the Odin.
Hathaway, Ken: Captain of the U.S. vessel Nike.
Hughes, Andy: Director of the Homeland Investigation Authority.
Jensen, George: National Security Adviser of the United States.
Gupta, Satya: Scientist in American space program; U.S. citizen of Indian descent; scientific adviser to the Indian space program.