The Shot Into Infinity by Otto Willi Gail:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas


('The Shot into Infinity' by Otto Willi Gail)

"In presenting this complete novel, we wish to call attention to the fact that this story was published first in Germany [in 1925]. The present translation was made on behalf of Science Wonder Quarterly, the translation being done by an American, Francis Currier. This is the first English translation, and Science Wonder Quarterly has acquired all rights for this story in the United States.

The story was selected by the editors of the Quarterly because it is without doubt one of the greatest, if not the greatest, interplanetarian story published in recent years.

With complete German thoroughness, the author has not written simply a science-fiction story, but has incorporated in it the latest scientific advances in the new art of spaceflying.

It may be said without fear of contradiction that the material contained in the greater part of the story has never been used by any science-fiction writer before.

While writing the story, the author has had the collaboration of practically all the German scientists who have of late come into prominence in their researches, into not only rocket flying, but space flying and astro-physics.

The scientific angles contained in this story are as accurate as the present art permits, and may be termed prophetic in many ways.

There is nothing contained in this story that might be termed fantastic, so far as the future is concerned. Sooner or later the art of navigation of outer space will catch up with the predictions contained in this unforgettable story. It is certain to become a classic of its type before many years have passed."

Read the story here. Select an invention:

Electric Kitchen - cooks freed from gravity
Food preparation in space requires safe equipment.

Free Fall
Phrase describing how bodies move in orbit.

Pneumatic Suit
An airtight spacesuit.

Space Ship Starting Track
A sloped track to assist a space ship taking off.

Spacesuit Testing
A device and method for testing spacesuits.

Steering Shot Pistol
The simplest way to move in space, where every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Telephone Wire Tether
A communication line that connects people floating in space beside a spaceship with the ship and with each other.

 

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