Wernher von Braun

All one can really leave one's children is what's inside their heads. Education, in other words, and not earthly possessions, is the ultimate legacy, the only thing that cannot be taken away.

In future utopia will need to hurry to keep up with reality.

I'm convinced that before the year 2000 is over, the first child will have been born on the moon.

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.

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

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

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

Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing.

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

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

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

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

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.

The rocket worked perfectly except for landing on the wrong planet.

It [the rocket] will free man from his remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet. It will open to him the gates of heaven.