Description:

Wernher von Braun
n.p., ca. February 17, 1958
Wernher von Braun 35+ Word ANS Appended to "Times" Quote: "Man belongs wherever he wants to go - and he'll do plenty well when he gets there"
ANS

A card with a quote from Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), the German-American rocket scientist, appended with a 35+ word autograph note signed by him as "Wernher von Braun" at the bottom. N.d., n.p. Lightly toned, and with a minor lower left corner wrinkle. Isolated minor smearing to two words of von Braun's inscription. Pencil-inscribed by a former collector at upper right. Mounting traces verso. Else near fine. 5.5" x 3.625."

Von Braun's typed quote reads:

"There is beauty in space, and it is orderly. There is no weather, and there is regularity. It is predictable. Just look at our little Explorer; you can set your clock by it - literally; it is more accurate than your clock.

Everything in space obeys the laws of physics. If you know these laws, and obey them, space will treat you kindly. And don't tell me man doesn't belong out there. Man belongs wherever he wants to go - and he'll do plenty well when he gets there."

Von Braun's signed addendum reads:

"And do not worry that he will loose [sic] his humility as he will be traveling among the stars. Science wants to learn about the creation, religion about the Creator. That is really all the difference. [Signed] Wernher von Braun."

Wernher von Braun stated the above quote during an interview with "Times" Magazine correspondent Edwin Rees. It formed the last paragraph of the "National Affairs / Space" article entitled "Space: Reach For The Stars" which appeared in the February 17, 1958 issue of "Times" Magazine, Vol. LXXI, No. 7.

Von Braun appeared on the front cover of this "Times" issue in artwork by Boris Chaliapin, along with an illustration of Explorer I, the first rocket-powered satellite launched by the United States in late January 1958. Explorer I - or, as von Braun refers to it in the quote as "our little Explorer" - was the American Cold War-era response to the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik I and Sputnik II in late 1957.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.625"
  • Medium: ANS

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