In Fiasco Lem uses a very original technique of double projection into the future. In the first and by far the longest fiasco chapter, we are introduced to Earth's civilization in the foreseeable but already distant future. The action takes place on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn, and follows Angus Parvis in his rescue attempt to find missing men from a nearby mine. The futuristic setting is reinforced by several details, carefully chosen for their vividness. Parvis's ship brings to Titan weather radiators powerful enough to disperse the moon's pernicious mists.

An array of gigantic mirrors (selectors) in stationary orbit collects and reflects sunlight onto Titan's night side. Furthermore, Parvis's life is preserved thanks to the vitrifax technology which deepfreezes his body after his gigantic strider is crushed during the rescue.

But the single greatest symbol of the power and technology at the miners' disposal is...