Thomas G. Bergin
For A Space Prober
1961
Photoengraved aluminium
unknown
status:
A poem written and subsequently photoengraved on an aluminium panel of an electronics package in the TRAAC satellite. It is the first poem in space.
From Time’s obscure beginning, the OlympiansHave, moved by pity, anger, sometimes mirth,Poured an abundant store of missiles downOn the resigned, defenceless sons of Earth.
Hailstones and chiding thunderclaps of Jove,Remote directives from the constellations:
Aye, the celestials have swooped down themselves,Grim bent on miracles or incarnations.
Earth and her offspring patiently endured,(Having no choice) and as the years rolled byIn trial and toil prepared their counterstroke –And now ’tis man who dares assault the sky.
Fear not, Immortals, we forgive your faults,And as we come to claim our promised placeAim only to repay the good you gaveAnd warm with human love the chill of space.
Thomas G. Bergin
Technical information
artist
Thomas G. Bergin
title
For A Space Prober
date
1961
medium
Photoengraved aluminium
dimensions
unknown
genre
IAAA art style
this work is part of the following collection
none
artwork COSPAR id
Launch
Space
Return
launch date
15 Nov 1961
launch mission
Thor-Able-Star
launch provider
US Navy
return date
return vehicle
return location
launch location
Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
host vehicle
TRAAC
return vehicle COSPAR id
launching state
location
USA
LEO
host vehicle COSPAR id
1961-031B
status
In space
launch vehicle COSPAR id
1961-031
partners
Collection
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