In Memoriam: Ray Bradbury 1920-2012

Through the years, Ray Bradbury attended several major space mission events at JPL/Caltech.

On Nov. 12, 1971, on the eve of Mariner 9 going into orbit at Mars, Bradbury took part in a symposium at Caltech with Arthur C. Clarke, journalist Walter Sullivan, and scientists Carl Sagan and Bruce Murray. In this excerpt, Bradbury reads his poem, "If Only We Had Taller Been."

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  Science & Technology

[neiras]

I sincerely hope that my generation contains such men.

[TheFreeAdviceMan]

I was fortunate enough to have met Ray personally and to give him a copy of my first philosophy book. The next day I received a letter from him. I felt like I had met one of his Martians, and I was honoured. " It is good to renew one's wonder, " said the Philosopher. " Space travel has again made children of us all. " ( From 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury )

[Vildasnaga]

Every generation does, I think, I only hope that we recognize them before they're gone.

[poettree52]

Meanwhile, in August 2012 NASA named the Mars Curiosity Rover landing site "Bradbury Landing." So well deserved! He will never be forgotten.

[footballstriker32]

True brilliance

[laurarox80]

lol yea I remember him getting angry about the Titanic sky. Could have been!

[Ian Cordingley]

Nine people didn't like this. So I hit them.

[shaygahweh]

it doesn't.

[Michael Neuwohner]

The people that were on that platform...

They were giants.