If one were to make the case that the Space Age started in 1957 with the launch of Sputnik, then it follows that someone born in 1942 has arguably spent their entire adult life living in the Space Age.
But if that someone is Gentry Lee, then not only have they been living their entire adult life with space travel as a reality, but they have actually been present and “In the Room” for some of the major milestones in the history of humanity’s efforts to escape the bounds of Earth.
As a scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Gentry was the director of science analysis and mission planning for the Viking mission to Mars, and the Galileo probe to Jupiter- missions that fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the solar system.
But he also found the time to collaborate with Carl Sagan on the landmark PBS series, COSMOS, and then went on to narrate the Discovery Channel program ARE WE ALONE?, which examined the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
And if that isn’t enough, he co-authored four books with legendary science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke.
A Zelig-like character, Gentry Lee has been everywhere and worked with everyone at the intersection of interplanetary science and science fiction, and now he is the subject of Robert Stone’s documentary STARMAN.
The film is both entertaining and educational, which makes sense given that Genty is our guide – leading us through a lifetime of curiosity, imagination, and discovery. And we hope that our discussion with him is just as fun and enlightening.
Our conversation with Gentry Lee, the subject of Robert Stone’s documentary STARMAN, on INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE, starting now.