Wernher von Braun

“Basic research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing.”

“I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution.”

“It was very successful, but it fell on the wrong planet.”

“Conquering the universe one has to solve two problems: gravity and red tape. We could have mastered gravity.”

“For my confirmation, I didn't get a watch and my first pair of long pants, like most Lutheran boys. I got a telescope. My mother thought it would make the best gift.”

“It will free man from the remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet.”

“There is just one thing I can promise you about the outer-space program - your tax-dollar will go further.”

“We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwork is overwhelming.”