Steps of the Sun — Walter Tevis

A billionaire heads to the stars in this “delightful” sci-fi novel from the author of The Man Who Fell to Earth and The Hustler (Newsweek).
 
In a world where America's power is rapidly being overshadowed by China's, only one man has the wealth, resources, and courage to seek the mineral resources his country needs to reclaim its greatness. Ben Belson, the richest man in the world, lacks for nothing his wealth can buy -- but he is haunted by the memory of a barren and loveless childhood. When he travels to the stars in search of the mineral wealth America needs, he finds more than he bargains for -- and gets more than he ever believed was possible.
 
A classic science fiction novel by the author of The Man Who Fell to Earth and The Hustler, The Steps of the Sun is deftly written, richly characterized, and full of surprises.
 
“Engaging and effortlessly readable.” -- Publishers Weekly
 
“Warmly involving ‘soft' sf.” -- Kirkus Reviews