Geoffrey Alan Landis | |
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Born | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | May 28, 1955
Occupation | Scientist, author |
Education | New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois |
Alma mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS) Brown University (MS, PhD) |
Genre | Science fiction |
Notable awards | Hugo Award Nebula Award Locus Award Rhysling Award |
Spouse | Mary A. Turzillo |
Website | |
www |
Geoffrey Alan Landis (/ˈlændɪs/; born May 28, 1955) is an American aerospace engineer and author, working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on planetary exploration, interstellar propulsion, solar power and photovoltaics.[1][2] He holds nine patents, primarily in the field of improvements to solar cells and photovoltaic devices[3] and has given presentations and commentary on the possibilities for interstellar travel and construction of bases on the Moon, Mars,[4] and Venus.[5]
Supported by his scientific background Landis also writes hard science fiction.[6] For these writings he has won a Nebula Award, two Hugo Awards, and a Locus Award, as well as two Rhysling Awards for his poetry.[7] He contributes science articles to various academic publications.
This collection of his short stories, Landis's first, contains most of his award-nominated and award-winning stories, including the Hugo winner 'A Walk in the Sun,' a surreal survivor story set on Luna.
The US was planning to send robots to Mars in 2003, said Landis, who is also a famous science fiction writer.
Other notable authors who will participate are Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, David Brin, Ben Bova, Geoffrey Landis and Kim Stanley Robinson.
The Deep Impact mission is also significant because it illustrates the extent of science fiction's influence on space technology. 'Science fiction is inspiring,' confirms Geoffrey Landis, a NASA scientist who is also an award-winning science-fiction author. 'Science fiction shows us things that are beyond the realm of the possible-today, that is.'
RUSA CODES Notable Books Council. Literary Tastes: A Notable Books Breakfast. 7—10 a.m. Authors of Notable Books selections speak to the writing experience and/or read from their works. After the breakfast, the authors will be available for signing and conversation: Ed Greenwood ('Band of Four' series), Geoffrey Landis (Mars Crossing), Vernor Vinge (A Deepness in the Sky)