Back to photostream

V2-03_v_bw_o_n (original 1946 press photo, erected)

“ROCKET PRIMED FOR SPACE TRIP, WHITE SANDS, N.M. -- This is the rocket launching platform and V-2 rocket, without war head, in position for firing at Army Ordnance Proving Ground. Space trip of the projectile will take place early next month.”

 

Although brief, I think it’s wonderful reading that provides a feel of/for the time.

 

7" x 9".

 

And actually, it’s a rarely seen view of a V-2, in this instance, no. 3 I think, on the 100K Static Test Stand, also rarely imaged, at WSMR. Some excellent information regarding it:

 

www.wsmr-history.org/100K.htm

 

www.wsmr-history.org/HandsAcrossHistory-08-09.pdf

Both above credit: White Sands Missile Range Museum website

 

If indeed V-2 no. 3, the “projectile” completed a nominal flight on May 10, 1946, during which the “space trip” consisted of ascending to 112.6 miles. And, it was indeed the first launch of anything from White Sands to technically, reach the boundary of space, so pretty historic.

Post WW II "war head" = nose cone.

1,875 views
6 faves
4 comments
Uploaded on April 30, 2021