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NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Added to National Register of Historical Places, 1976
Historic Redstone Test Site
Jupiter-C & Redstone Rockets that launched our first satellite & astronaut into space were test-fired at this location.
Explorer (Jupiter-C) Jan. 31, 1958 by U.S. Army
Alan B. Shepard (Mercury-Redstone) May 5, 1961
National Museum of the US Air Force
Chrysler SM-78/PGM-19A JUPITER
The Jupiter Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM), in service from 1960 to 1963, was an important link between early, short-range rockets and later weapons that could reach any point on Earth. Jupiter was a close relative of the Army's Redstone missile, and its development began in 1956 as a joint US Army and US Navy project. Rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun conceived the Jupiter after the Redstone proved successful, and rockets with a range of up to 1,500 miles seemed possible. Soviet development of similar missiles around the same time underscored the need for Jupiter. President Dwight Eisenhower gave the IRBM high priority in weapons development, second only to the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
Originally designed for shipboard use, Jupiter was a compromise between Army and Navy designs. In 1956, the Department of Defense gave the USAF responsibility for building and operating all missiles with more than a 200-mile range, but the Army continued developing Jupiter in case the Air Force's Thor IRBM program failed. The first successful Jupiter launch took place in May 1957.
In October 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik, the first satellite-an event that caused the US to greatly speed up missile development to counter the Soviet threat. As Jupiter was quickly made ready, the US explored basing options. The single-stage missile's range of 1,500 miles required bases on the periphery of the USSR. Negotiations with France proved unsuccessful, and finally Italy and Turkey accepted IRBM bases. Italian and Turkish crews trained to operate the missiles, but Americans controlled the nuclear warheads. Two squadrons with a total of 30 missiles were operational at Gioia del Colle, Italy, by 1961; a single squadron of 15 Jupiters became operational at Cigli Air Base, Turkey, in 1962. Due in part to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the US removed its Jupiter missiles from Italy and Turkey by July 1963.
Jupiter No. 22 is launched on a test flight in Florida, February 27, 1959. The particles flying off the missile's midsection are ice from condensation caused by the missile's super-chilled liquid oxygen propellant. Jupiter ground support equipment was complex, involving vehicles carrying liquid oxygen, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, generators, and other tools
TECHNICAL NOTES
Warhead: Single W-49 in the megaton range
Engine: One Rocketdyne LR-79 of 150,000 lbs thrust
Guidance: All-inertial
Range: 1,500 miles
Length: 60 ft
Diameter: 8 ft 9 in
Weight: 108,804 lbs (fully fueled)
UNIFIL held a ceremony at its headquarters in Naqoura to officially transfer authority from outgoing Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col of Italy to Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz of Spain. High-level government delegations from Spain, led by Minister of Defence Margarita Robles Fernández, and from Italy, led by the Under Secretary of State for Defence Stefania Pucciarelli, attended today’s ceremony. Representatives of the Government of Lebanon, including Minister of National Defence Maurice Sleem representing President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Miqati, Member of Parliament Dr. Inaya Ezzeddine representing Speaker Nabih Berri, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun also attended the ceremony. Naqoura, 28 February 2022. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander Stefano del Col first meeting with newly appointed Lebanese Minister of National Defence Elias Bou Saab at the Ministry in Yarze, Beirut. Both discussed the situation in the UNIFIL area of operation & the continued cooperation with Lebanese Army. Beirut, 11 February 2019. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Redstone Lightweight Launcher No. 1003
Watertown Arsenal
Launch platform in action:
www.wsmr-history.org/RedstoneFirst2.htm
-------------------------
Redstone was the Army's largest surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Modified Redstone rockets launched America's first satellite and first human into space. Developed by Wernher Von Braun, Redstone is a direct descendant of the German V-2 rocket.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was designed to extend the firepower and range of conventional artillery cannon against ground targets. It could deliver a nuclear or high-explosive warhead to targets 200 miles away. In 1951, a nuclear warhead meant a 3-ton package. Since Redstone was a ballistic missile, its initial trajectory and guidance was provided by the launcher. Great care was taken to level the missile and to orient the stabilized platform accurately in the direction of the target.
Redstone's liquid-fueled engine burned alcohol and liquid oxygen, producing about 75,000 pounds of thrust. At burnout, or when the propellant was exhausted, it had a speed of 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 kilometers per hour). For guidance, Redstone had a totally new pure-inertial guidance system using air-bearing gyros. Beyond the earth's atmosphere the inertial guidance system directed it toward the target. After reaching the proper speed, the rocket engine cut out and dropped off, along with the fuel tanks. Then the guidance system and warhead coasted to the target.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was mobile and transportable by plane, truck or train. However, when on the move, it needed a convoy eighteen miles long, with 200 vehicles carrying approximately 10,000 individual pieces of equipment and more than 600 men. The Redstone itself was carried on three trucks-its nose section (warhead) midsection (power plant and fuel tanks) and tail section- to be assembled in the field.
Named after Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was developed and built, Redstone's development was triggered by outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 to counter Soviet Cold War threats. The first Redstone missile was launched on August 20, 1953 from the Army's missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and traveled 8,000 yards (7,315 meters). Thirty-six more were launched rough 1958, testing structure, engine performance, guidance and control, tracking and telemetry. On May 16, 1958, combat-ready soldiers fired their first Redstone rocket. It was put into U.S. Army service in Germany that June.
Redstone has been called the Model-T of the Free World's space program. A solid-fuel fourth stage was added to it and Redstone became the Jupiter-C rocket. On January 31, 1958, a Jupiter-C lifted America's first orbiting satellite, Explorer I, into space.
Starting in 1959, warhead some Redstone rockets were modified for NASA's Mercury program. Propellant tanks were elongated by 96 inches, adding 20 seconds of burn time. The section was replaced by the Mercury capsule and escape tower. The first of these Mercury Redstone rockets was tested at Cape Canaveral on December 19, 1960. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he was launched on a suborbital flight in a Mercury capsule by a Redstone rocket engine.
Between 1958 and 1962, eighteen Redstone missiles were fired at White Sands Missile Range. Pershing replaced Redstone beginning in 1960.
Length: 69 ft
Diameter: 70 in
Weight: 30 tons
Propellant: Liquid
Range: 200 miles
First Fired: 1958
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) today marked the 73rd United Nations Day at its headquarters in Naqoura by reaffirming the Mission’s strong commitment to maintain and solidify the existing calm in south Lebanon.Naqoura 24 October 2018. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz/ UN
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Michael Beary greets the Lebanese Minister of Defense, Yaacoub Riad Sarraf, upon his arrival to UNIFIL headquarters, Naqoura. September 11th, 2017. Photo by Pasqual Gorriz (UN photo)
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Redstone was the Army's largest surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Modified Redstone rockets launched America's first satellite and first human into space. Developed by Wernher Von Braun, Redstone is a direct descendant of the German V-2 rocket.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was designed to extend the firepower and range of conventional artillery cannon against ground targets. It could deliver a nuclear or high-explosive warhead to targets 200 miles away. In 1951, a nuclear warhead meant a 3-ton package. Since Redstone was a ballistic missile, its initial trajectory and guidance was provided by the launcher. Great care was taken to level the missile and to orient the stabilized platform accurately in the direction of the target.
Redstone's liquid-fueled engine burned alcohol and liquid oxygen, producing about 75,000 pounds of thrust. At burnout, or when the propellant was exhausted, it had a speed of 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 kilometers per hour). For guidance, Redstone had a totally new pure-inertial guidance system using air-bearing gyros. Beyond the earth's atmosphere the inertial guidance system directed it toward the target. After reaching the proper speed, the rocket engine cut out and dropped off, along with the fuel tanks. Then the guidance system and warhead coasted to the target.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was mobile and transportable by plane, truck or train. However, when on the move, it needed a convoy eighteen miles long, with 200 vehicles carrying approximately 10,000 individual pieces of equipment and more than 600 men. The Redstone itself was carried on three trucks-its nose section (warhead) midsection (power plant and fuel tanks) and tail section- to be assembled in the field.
Named after Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was developed and built, Redstone's development was triggered by outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 to counter Soviet Cold War threats. The first Redstone missile was launched on August 20, 1953 from the Army's missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and traveled 8,000 yards (7,315 meters). Thirty-six more were launched rough 1958, testing structure, engine performance, guidance and control, tracking and telemetry. On May 16, 1958, combat-ready soldiers fired their first Redstone rocket. It was put into U.S. Army service in Germany that June.
Redstone has been called the Model-T of the Free World's space program. A solid-fuel fourth stage was added to it and Redstone became the Jupiter-C rocket. On January 31, 1958, a Jupiter-C lifted America's first orbiting satellite, Explorer I, into space.
Starting in 1959, warhead some Redstone rockets were modified for NASA's Mercury program. Propellant tanks were elongated by 96 inches, adding 20 seconds of burn time. The section was replaced by the Mercury capsule and escape tower. The first of these Mercury Redstone rockets was tested at Cape Canaveral on December 19, 1960. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he was launched on a suborbital flight in a Mercury capsule by a Redstone rocket engine.
Between 1958 and 1962, eighteen Redstone missiles were fired at White Sands Missile Range. Pershing replaced Redstone beginning in 1960.
Length: 69 ft
Diameter: 70 in
Weight: 30 tons
Propellant: Liquid
Range: 200 miles
First Fired: 1958
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Redstone was the Army's largest surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Modified Redstone rockets launched America's first satellite and first human into space. Developed by Wernher Von Braun, Redstone is a direct descendant of the German V-2 rocket.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was designed to extend the firepower and range of conventional artillery cannon against ground targets. It could deliver a nuclear or high-explosive warhead to targets 200 miles away. In 1951, a nuclear warhead meant a 3-ton package. Since Redstone was a ballistic missile, its initial trajectory and guidance was provided by the launcher. Great care was taken to level the missile and to orient the stabilized platform accurately in the direction of the target.
Redstone's liquid-fueled engine burned alcohol and liquid oxygen, producing about 75,000 pounds of thrust. At burnout, or when the propellant was exhausted, it had a speed of 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 kilometers per hour). For guidance, Redstone had a totally new pure-inertial guidance system using air-bearing gyros. Beyond the earth's atmosphere the inertial guidance system directed it toward the target. After reaching the proper speed, the rocket engine cut out and dropped off, along with the fuel tanks. Then the guidance system and warhead coasted to the target.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was mobile and transportable by plane, truck or train. However, when on the move, it needed a convoy eighteen miles long, with 200 vehicles carrying approximately 10,000 individual pieces of equipment and more than 600 men. The Redstone itself was carried on three trucks-its nose section (warhead) midsection (power plant and fuel tanks) and tail section- to be assembled in the field.
Named after Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was developed and built, Redstone's development was triggered by outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 to counter Soviet Cold War threats. The first Redstone missile was launched on August 20, 1953 from the Army's missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and traveled 8,000 yards (7,315 meters). Thirty-six more were launched rough 1958, testing structure, engine performance, guidance and control, tracking and telemetry. On May 16, 1958, combat-ready soldiers fired their first Redstone rocket. It was put into U.S. Army service in Germany that June.
Redstone has been called the Model-T of the Free World's space program. A solid-fuel fourth stage was added to it and Redstone became the Jupiter-C rocket. On January 31, 1958, a Jupiter-C lifted America's first orbiting satellite, Explorer I, into space.
Starting in 1959, warhead some Redstone rockets were modified for NASA's Mercury program. Propellant tanks were elongated by 96 inches, adding 20 seconds of burn time. The section was replaced by the Mercury capsule and escape tower. The first of these Mercury Redstone rockets was tested at Cape Canaveral on December 19, 1960. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he was launched on a suborbital flight in a Mercury capsule by a Redstone rocket engine.
Between 1958 and 1962, eighteen Redstone missiles were fired at White Sands Missile Range. Pershing replaced Redstone beginning in 1960.
Length: 69 ft
Diameter: 70 in
Weight: 30 tons
Propellant: Liquid
Range: 200 miles
First Fired: 1958
Images from the first of our 2019 Fall Open House and Public Hearing to discuss spending for the upcoming years.
Planning | Fall Public Hearing | Third Ward | 9.4.19
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The Redstone missile program, begun in 1951 by the U.S. Army, was designed to be mobile, capable of being launched by combat troops under battlefield conditions. The picture on the left was taken on May 5, 1961, when a powerful Redstone rocket with a Mercury capsule carried Cdr. Alan B. Shepard, Jr. into suborbital flight from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Thrust Unit XM482 Semitrailer. Covered and uncovered views of the trailers here:
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/pdf_folder/june_59_page_40.pdf
Trailer being opened, exposing "thrust unit" portion of the missile:
www.wsmr-history.org/RedstoneFirst6.htm
www.wsmr-history.org/RedstoneFirst7.htm
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/Photos/page14/feb_59_001.html
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/Photos/page14/feb_59_002.html
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/Photos/page14/feb_59_003.html
-------------------------
Redstone was the Army's largest surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Modified Redstone rockets launched America's first satellite and first human into space. Developed by Wernher Von Braun, Redstone is a direct descendant of the German V-2 rocket.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was designed to extend the firepower and range of conventional artillery cannon against ground targets. It could deliver a nuclear or high-explosive warhead to targets 200 miles away. In 1951, a nuclear warhead meant a 3-ton package. Since Redstone was a ballistic missile, its initial trajectory and guidance was provided by the launcher. Great care was taken to level the missile and to orient the stabilized platform accurately in the direction of the target.
Redstone's liquid-fueled engine burned alcohol and liquid oxygen, producing about 75,000 pounds of thrust. At burnout, or when the propellant was exhausted, it had a speed of 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 kilometers per hour). For guidance, Redstone had a totally new pure-inertial guidance system using air-bearing gyros. Beyond the earth's atmosphere the inertial guidance system directed it toward the target. After reaching the proper speed, the rocket engine cut out and dropped off, along with the fuel tanks. Then the guidance system and warhead coasted to the target.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was mobile and transportable by plane, truck or train. However, when on the move, it needed a convoy eighteen miles long, with 200 vehicles carrying approximately 10,000 individual pieces of equipment and more than 600 men. The Redstone itself was carried on three trucks-its nose section (warhead) midsection (power plant and fuel tanks) and tail section- to be assembled in the field.
Named after Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was developed and built, Redstone's development was triggered by outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 to counter Soviet Cold War threats. The first Redstone missile was launched on August 20, 1953 from the Army's missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and traveled 8,000 yards (7,315 meters). Thirty-six more were launched rough 1958, testing structure, engine performance, guidance and control, tracking and telemetry. On May 16, 1958, combat-ready soldiers fired their first Redstone rocket. It was put into U.S. Army service in Germany that June.
Redstone has been called the Model-T of the Free World's space program. A solid-fuel fourth stage was added to it and Redstone became the Jupiter-C rocket. On January 31, 1958, a Jupiter-C lifted America's first orbiting satellite, Explorer I, into space.
Starting in 1959, warhead some Redstone rockets were modified for NASA's Mercury program. Propellant tanks were elongated by 96 inches, adding 20 seconds of burn time. The section was replaced by the Mercury capsule and escape tower. The first of these Mercury Redstone rockets was tested at Cape Canaveral on December 19, 1960. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he was launched on a suborbital flight in a Mercury capsule by a Redstone rocket engine.
Between 1958 and 1962, eighteen Redstone missiles were fired at White Sands Missile Range. Pershing replaced Redstone beginning in 1960.
Length: 69 ft
Diameter: 70 in
Weight: 30 tons
Propellant: Liquid
Range: 200 miles
First Fired: 1958
Q Drive, Len wright Group. Scania L113CRL with Northern Counties B51F body. Photographed in Bracknell bus station.
The 2021-2022 Fair Housing Ambassador Program will offer both grants and volunteer positions to support nonprofits and other community groups and individuals wanting to conduct fair housing outreach in their communities. The 2021-2022 Program will focus specifically on the fair housing needs and rights of renters in Houston with an emphasis on reaching historically underserved populations.
11.30.2021 | Fair Housing | Ambassadors Training Session
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Redstone was the Army's largest surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Modified Redstone rockets launched America's first satellite and first human into space. Developed by Wernher Von Braun, Redstone is a direct descendant of the German V-2 rocket.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was designed to extend the firepower and range of conventional artillery cannon against ground targets. It could deliver a nuclear or high-explosive warhead to targets 200 miles away. In 1951, a nuclear warhead meant a 3-ton package. Since Redstone was a ballistic missile, its initial trajectory and guidance was provided by the launcher. Great care was taken to level the missile and to orient the stabilized platform accurately in the direction of the target.
Redstone's liquid-fueled engine burned alcohol and liquid oxygen, producing about 75,000 pounds of thrust. At burnout, or when the propellant was exhausted, it had a speed of 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 kilometers per hour). For guidance, Redstone had a totally new pure-inertial guidance system using air-bearing gyros. Beyond the earth's atmosphere the inertial guidance system directed it toward the target. After reaching the proper speed, the rocket engine cut out and dropped off, along with the fuel tanks. Then the guidance system and warhead coasted to the target.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was mobile and transportable by plane, truck or train. However, when on the move, it needed a convoy eighteen miles long, with 200 vehicles carrying approximately 10,000 individual pieces of equipment and more than 600 men. The Redstone itself was carried on three trucks-its nose section (warhead) midsection (power plant and fuel tanks) and tail section- to be assembled in the field.
Named after Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was developed and built, Redstone's development was triggered by outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 to counter Soviet Cold War threats. The first Redstone missile was launched on August 20, 1953 from the Army's missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and traveled 8,000 yards (7,315 meters). Thirty-six more were launched rough 1958, testing structure, engine performance, guidance and control, tracking and telemetry. On May 16, 1958, combat-ready soldiers fired their first Redstone rocket. It was put into U.S. Army service in Germany that June.
Redstone has been called the Model-T of the Free World's space program. A solid-fuel fourth stage was added to it and Redstone became the Jupiter-C rocket. On January 31, 1958, a Jupiter-C lifted America's first orbiting satellite, Explorer I, into space.
Starting in 1959, warhead some Redstone rockets were modified for NASA's Mercury program. Propellant tanks were elongated by 96 inches, adding 20 seconds of burn time. The section was replaced by the Mercury capsule and escape tower. The first of these Mercury Redstone rockets was tested at Cape Canaveral on December 19, 1960. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he was launched on a suborbital flight in a Mercury capsule by a Redstone rocket engine.
Between 1958 and 1962, eighteen Redstone missiles were fired at White Sands Missile Range. Pershing replaced Redstone beginning in 1960.
Length: 69 ft
Diameter: 70 in
Weight: 30 tons
Propellant: Liquid
Range: 200 miles
First Fired: 1958
Grant Introduction Workshop and Pre-Proposal Conference for Fair Housing & Hurricane Preparedness Outreach Grant.
Fair Housing | Conference | Virtual | 7.7.20
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
The Redstone missile program, begun in 1951 by the U.S. Army, was designed to be mobile, capable of being launched by combat troops under battlefield conditions.
White Sands Missile Range Museum
Thrust Unit XM482 Semitrailer. Covered and uncovered views of the trailers here:
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/pdf_folder/june_59_page_40.pdf
Trailer being opened, exposing "thrust unit" portion of the missile:
www.wsmr-history.org/RedstoneFirst6.htm
www.wsmr-history.org/RedstoneFirst7.htm
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/Photos/page14/feb_59_001.html
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/Photos/page14/feb_59_002.html
www.myarmyredstonedays.com/Photos/page14/feb_59_003.html
-------------------------
Redstone was the Army's largest surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Modified Redstone rockets launched America's first satellite and first human into space. Developed by Wernher Von Braun, Redstone is a direct descendant of the German V-2 rocket.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was designed to extend the firepower and range of conventional artillery cannon against ground targets. It could deliver a nuclear or high-explosive warhead to targets 200 miles away. In 1951, a nuclear warhead meant a 3-ton package. Since Redstone was a ballistic missile, its initial trajectory and guidance was provided by the launcher. Great care was taken to level the missile and to orient the stabilized platform accurately in the direction of the target.
Redstone's liquid-fueled engine burned alcohol and liquid oxygen, producing about 75,000 pounds of thrust. At burnout, or when the propellant was exhausted, it had a speed of 3,800 miles per hour (6,116 kilometers per hour). For guidance, Redstone had a totally new pure-inertial guidance system using air-bearing gyros. Beyond the earth's atmosphere the inertial guidance system directed it toward the target. After reaching the proper speed, the rocket engine cut out and dropped off, along with the fuel tanks. Then the guidance system and warhead coasted to the target.
As a field artillery missile, Redstone was mobile and transportable by plane, truck or train. However, when on the move, it needed a convoy eighteen miles long, with 200 vehicles carrying approximately 10,000 individual pieces of equipment and more than 600 men. The Redstone itself was carried on three trucks-its nose section (warhead) midsection (power plant and fuel tanks) and tail section- to be assembled in the field.
Named after Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where it was developed and built, Redstone's development was triggered by outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 to counter Soviet Cold War threats. The first Redstone missile was launched on August 20, 1953 from the Army's missile test range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and traveled 8,000 yards (7,315 meters). Thirty-six more were launched rough 1958, testing structure, engine performance, guidance and control, tracking and telemetry. On May 16, 1958, combat-ready soldiers fired their first Redstone rocket. It was put into U.S. Army service in Germany that June.
Redstone has been called the Model-T of the Free World's space program. A solid-fuel fourth stage was added to it and Redstone became the Jupiter-C rocket. On January 31, 1958, a Jupiter-C lifted America's first orbiting satellite, Explorer I, into space.
Starting in 1959, warhead some Redstone rockets were modified for NASA's Mercury program. Propellant tanks were elongated by 96 inches, adding 20 seconds of burn time. The section was replaced by the Mercury capsule and escape tower. The first of these Mercury Redstone rockets was tested at Cape Canaveral on December 19, 1960. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he was launched on a suborbital flight in a Mercury capsule by a Redstone rocket engine.
Between 1958 and 1962, eighteen Redstone missiles were fired at White Sands Missile Range. Pershing replaced Redstone beginning in 1960.
Length: 69 ft
Diameter: 70 in
Weight: 30 tons
Propellant: Liquid
Range: 200 miles
First Fired: 1958