Arthur C. Clarke and Robert A. Heinlein both offered live television commentary during the July 20, 1969 moon landing, Clarke from the east coast with host Walter Cronkite and Heinlein with Eric Sevareid on the west coast. The audio from the day long event has been preserved and we present a 46 minute segment below to commemorate the historic landing 45 years ago today. In this segment the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module) has already landed and the world awaits Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps on the moon. By the end of this segment Armstrong’s lunar walk is less than an hour away. Clarke is featured in two other segments, but because of their 46 minute length I have chosen this one with both he and Heinlein. It is a rare treat to hear what these pair of SF icons thought on this historic day, and the enthusiasm (especially from Heinlein) about the prospects for the future of mankind as we strike out beyond our own little dust mote into the vastness of the universe.

Please note that Clarke and Heinlein do not appear until just after the 28 minute mark, though the entire segment is a fascinating bit of history. I remember watching it live, being less than 3 months from my 19th birthday.

Play Time: 46:00