Pierce describes his interest in electrical communications and his work in orbital radio relay and satellite communication systems, including the Echo project. On the staff at Bell Labs from 1936 to 1971, he worked on such projects as electron multipliers, microwave oscillators and amplifiers, high current electron guns (the Pierce gun), and traveling-wave amplifiers. Includes reminiscences of his early interests in aeronautics which led to constructing and flying glider planes in competition, as well as his ongoing success in publishing his science fiction writing and his poetry. Discusses the development and importance of industrial research.