The articles were smothering the newspapers. I cut out a few of them for you to see before you enter the life of the man who was there. These clippings are about the Athena, a little unmanned probe sent to Jupiter in the twenty-something (second? third?) century. So here they are.

Houston. This Saturday NASA space engineers completed the Athena and reported that the unmanned informational satellite will be ready for launch next month. Satellites before have gone close to the giant planet, but never have they descended into the gas giant. Athena’s route cuts through five atmospheric layers to get to Jupiter’s lower atmosphere, home of the storm known commonly as the Red Spot. (see page 14A, Jupiter)

New York. Millions flocked to watch as NASA’s first great endeavor since the Apollo series launched in a column of smoke at 4:00 today. Tracking technology from the space station allows scientists both there and here in Houston to closely track the satellite; itwill keep on course better than the average jetliner. Photos from the satellite will be released immediately on its return, but Athena’s real treasures will be gas samples she collects from the atmosphere of the solar system’s largest planet… (see page 2B, Athena)

ATHENA RETURNS FROM JUPITER MISSION; BILLIONS EAGER TO HEAR RESULTS

Washington. One of the milestones in astronomy landed today in the Atlantic bearing precious photographs of Jupiter and its moons, billions of miles of space wear, and (most captivatingly) three small samples of Jupiter’s gaseous atmosphere. Yes, back is the Athena, from her journey of years. Since her departure space technology has leapt forward and imaging satellites have been swept off to Saturn (the depart of the Caesar in May) and Venus (the more recent launch of Eros). Nevertheless, billions of scientists in all fields greedily wait for the results of Athena’s reconnaissance. (see page 1A, Return)