Werner von Braun and Robert Goddard
Werner von Braun
Von Braun’s life
Born 23rd March 1912 in Germany (now Poland)
Prosperous aristocratic family
Early interest in astronomy fostered by being given a telescope
Didn’t do well at school until he acquired a copy of “The Rocket into Interplanetary Space”, by Hermann Oberth, which inspired him to apply himself in maths and physics.
1932, graduated from Berlin institute of technology with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Enrolled in University of Berlin.
1932, given a research grant from the Ordinance Department
1934, Ph.D. in physics from Berlin Uni. Thesis contained theoretical investigation and experiments on thrust rocket engines.
1934, with a small team, launched 2 rockets 2.4 km upwards.
Large military development facility in Peenemunde in Germany
Liquid-fuelled rocket demonstrated.
Long range ballistic missile A-4 developed.
End of WW2, Braun and the entire German rocket-development team surrendered to US troops and was taken to the US as part of Operation Paperclip. (500 people, along with plans and test vehicles).
Tested assembled and supervised launching of captured V-2s at US Army ordinance crops test site in New Mexico.
1952, Moved to Alabama and became technical director of US army intermediate range ballistic-weapon (IRBM) program.
Developed Redstone, Jupiter-C, Juno and Pershing missiles.
1955, became U.S. citizen.
Author and co-author of popular science articles and books. Made addresses promoting space flight.
With group, launched first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, January 31, 1958.
Transferred to NASA.
1970, transferred to NASA headquarters in Washington D.C, became deputy associate administrator for planning.
1975, National Medal of Science.
Died June 16 1977
Contributions to space exploration
As director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre, Braun led the development of large space launch vehicles, Saturn I, IB and V. Braun designed each
Von Braun’s life
Born 23rd March 1912 in Germany (now Poland)
Prosperous aristocratic family
Early interest in astronomy fostered by being given a telescope
Didn’t do well at school until he acquired a copy of “The Rocket into Interplanetary Space”, by Hermann Oberth, which inspired him to apply himself in maths and physics.
1932, graduated from Berlin institute of technology with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Enrolled in University of Berlin.
1932, given a research grant from the Ordinance Department
1934, Ph.D. in physics from Berlin Uni. Thesis contained theoretical investigation and experiments on thrust rocket engines.
1934, with a small team, launched 2 rockets 2.4 km upwards.
Large military development facility in Peenemunde in Germany
Liquid-fuelled rocket demonstrated.
Long range ballistic missile A-4 developed.
End of WW2, Braun and the entire German rocket-development team surrendered to US troops and was taken to the US as part of Operation Paperclip. (500 people, along with plans and test vehicles).
Tested assembled and supervised launching of captured V-2s at US Army ordinance crops test site in New Mexico.
1952, Moved to Alabama and became technical director of US army intermediate range ballistic-weapon (IRBM) program.
Developed Redstone, Jupiter-C, Juno and Pershing missiles.
1955, became U.S. citizen.
Author and co-author of popular science articles and books. Made addresses promoting space flight.
With group, launched first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, January 31, 1958.
Transferred to NASA.
1970, transferred to NASA headquarters in Washington D.C, became deputy associate administrator for planning.
1975, National Medal of Science.
Died June 16 1977
Contributions to space exploration
As director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre, Braun led the development of large space launch vehicles, Saturn I, IB and V. Braun designed each