reported by Seth B. Stevenson, FictionFanatic.com

Internationally acclaimed science fiction writer Spider Robinson has been appointed the first Writer-in-Residence at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. His appointment runs from September through June 2007 and is generously sponsored by the Canada Council.

Spider Robinson is the author of over 30 books, and has been honoured with one of the most exciting science fiction projects in years. Robinson was chosen to complete Robert A. Heinlein's Variable Star manuscript, based on a detailed outline and notes completed by Mr. Heinlein in 1955 and recently rediscovered. Robinson will do a public reading at the launch of his book Variable Star on October 22 at the Space Centre.

"The story of space is changing dramatically," says Donna Livingstone, Executive Director of the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. "As public institutions, we need to present fresh ways of looking at the universe. It's more than rocket science - it's about imagination and wonder and what-ifs. Spider has a passion for space and bold thoughts on the issues facing our planet today. Best of all, he is a provocative, exciting thinker who will challenge our accepted ways of doing things."

"It's make or break time for our species," Robinson says. "The single most important task the human race has in the next century is to establish itself in space, where resources and energy are limitless and cheap....before the resources and energy we need to get there are gone for good. If we do, we'll have a future; if we don't, we're too dumb to live, like the dinosaurs. It really is that simple. To paraphrase Mann and Weill, 'We gotta get out of this place - or it's the last thing we'll never do'."

As Writer-in-Residence, Robinson will be involved in the program planning for the Space Centre over the next year. He will author "Spider Robinson Responds" on the Space Centre website several times a year, commenting on current events in space and astronomy. He will also host discussions that show the "Real Science, Science Fiction" perspectives around space topics.

This program is the first of its kind in a Canadian space or science centre. Visit www.spacecentre.ca for more information.