Wernher von Braun quotes

Wernher von Braun was a German-born aerospace engineer and space architect, best known for his pioneering work in rocket development. His innovations played a crucial role in both Nazi Germany’s V-2 rocket program and the United States’ Apollo missions. He became one of the most influential figures in the history of space exploration. Here are 26 of his quotes:

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

Wernher von Braun

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

Wernher von Braun

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

Wernher von Braun

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

Wernher von Braun

My experiences with science led me to God. They challenge science to prove the existence of God. But must we really light a candle to see the sun?

Wernher von Braun

Can a physicist visualize an electron? The electron is materially inconceivable and yet, it is so perfectly known through its effects that we use it to illuminate our cities, guide our airlines through the night skies and take the most accurate measurements. What strange rationale makes some physicists accept the inconceivable electrons as real while refusing to accept the reality of a Designer on the ground that they cannot conceive Him?

Wernher von Braun

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

Wernher von Braun

The materialists of the nineteenth century and their Marxist heirs of the twentieth, tried to tell us that, as science gives us more knowledge about the creation, we could live without faith in a Creator. Yet so far, with every new answer, we have discovered new questions. The better we understand... the master plan for the galaxies, the more reason we have found to marvel at the wonder of God's creation.

Wernher von Braun

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

Wernher von Braun

The body of knowledge is advancing at an absolutely incredible rate, and new tools are constantly being made available to the researcher that were previously not only unavailable, but often not even dreamed of.

Wernher von Braun

It is in scientific honesty that I endorse the presentation of alternative theories for the origin of the universe, life and man in the science classroom. It would be an error to overlook the possibility that the universe was planned rather than happening by chance.

Wernher von Braun

We knew that we had created a new means of warfare, and the question as to what nation, to what victorious nation we were willing to entrust this brainchild of ours was a moral decision more than anything else. We wanted to see the world spared another conflict such as Germany had just been through, and we felt that only by surrendering such a weapon to people who are guided by the Bible could such an assurance to the world be best secured.

Wernher von Braun

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 that man doesn't belong out there. Man belongs wherever he wants to go - and he'll do plenty well when he gets there.

Wernher von Braun

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.

Wernher von Braun

What we are seeking in tomorrow's trip is indeed that key to our future on earth. We are expanding the mind of man. We are extending this God-given brain and these God-given hands to their outermost limits and in so doing all mankind will benefit. All mankind will reap the harvest.

Wernher von Braun

One cannot be exposed to the law and order of the universe without concluding that there must be design and purpose behind it all.

Wernher von Braun

Today we live in a different world because in 1958 Americans accepted the challenge of space and made the required national investment to meet it.

Wernher von Braun

One of the most disconcerting issues of our time lies in the fact that modern science, along with miracle drugs and communications satellites, has also produced nuclear bombs.

Wernher von Braun

In most cases the scientist will be fully aware of the possibility of an abuse of his discoveries, but aside from his innate scientific curiosity he will be motivated by a deep-seated hope and belief that something of value for his fellow man may emerge from his labors.

Wernher von Braun

The space program is the first large scientific and technological activity in history that offers to bring the people of all nations together instead of setting them further apart.

Wernher von Braun

Science, all by itself, has no moral dimension. The same poison-containing drug which cures when taken in small doses, may kill when taken in excess.

Wernher von Braun

The best computer is a man, and it's the only one that can be mass-produced by unskilled labor.

Wernher von Braun