Yes, Arthur C. Clarke is still alive, and, at 89 years old, he's just as sharp as ever, if this interview in IEEE Spectrum is any indication. Popular Science sat down with the legendary science fiction writer and futurist at his Sri Lankan home in 2004, but that was before the private spaceflight industry transformed from a dream into reality.

Clarke is a big fan of Bigelow Aerospace, and he believes his concept of a space elevator will be realized in the coming decades. He also hopes to be a customer when the space tourism business really gets running.—Gregory Mone