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When something is in your own backyard, you have a tenancy to overlook it and not appreciate what you have. We're lucky to have the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. When's the last time you've been there? A special new exhibit is up and would be a perfect time for you to visit again.
In World War II Germany, scientists called it a "Vertikant", and to this day it remains the foundation for all manned and un-manned rocket launches. The Vertikant, or vertical stabilization gyro, is what made it possible for most all rockets, including the Jupiter, Redstone, Atlas, Saturn, and even the Shuttle, to successfully launch into space on a true and stable trajectory.
Beginning February 7, 2002, visitors to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® will be able to examine one of the very first vertikants. It's part of a new series of exhibits being installed this week in the USSRC Museum.
But the centerpiece of the display is a 46-foot, 28,500-pound, fully restored World War II era V-2 rocket!
photo courtesy of the U.S.
Space & Rocket Center
"Its original designation was "A-4", with the "A" standing for aggregate. But the German propaganda ministry changed it to the "V-2". The "V" was short for vengeance," according to USSRC archivist Irene Willhite.
The "V-2", as it's most commonly known, could carry a 2,200 pound payload 60 miles into the sky, and deliver it as far as 250 miles downrange.
Using liquid oxygen and alcohol as its fuel, the V-2 developed up to 56,000 pounds of thrust at launch and could reach the speed of sound in 30-seconds. Typically, the engine would shut-down 60-75 seconds into the flight, resulting in what was basically a massive artillery shell that would slam into its target at approximately 3 times the speed of sound!
Those who survived the V-2 offensive gave chilling accounts of the attacks. Within just a second or two of impact, a sonic blast could be both felt and heard at the target area, followed by the explosion of the V-2's deadly warhead. This would be followed by the whine and rush of whistling air as the sound catches up with the source. It was only after the missile's impact that survivors would hear the deafening roar of the incoming rocket. There could be no warning.
photo courtesy of the U.S.
Space & Rocket Center
Between September of 1944 and March of 1945, Germany launched over 3,000 V-2 rockets against the Allies. London was hit by more than 500, and hundreds more dropped in the surrounding counties. Although devastating, Germany's V-2 offensive would not change the inevitable outcome of the war.
The newest exhibit at the USSRC Museum chronicles the work of the men who developed the V-2, the world's first ballistic missile… Men challenged to create the technology, from propulsion to the seemingly crude guidance system (upon which today's most elaborate systems are based)… Men inspired to turn science fiction into science fact, who dreamed not of weaponry but of rocketry. It is the startling history of a program that once reigned terror from the skies, and would one day propel men beyond them.
The V-2 exhibit will be at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Museum through May 2002. It opens to the public February 7th.
Now
is a good time to become a member of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Members enjoy unlimited visits to the museum, free admission to over 200
participating ASTC facilities, 50% Spacedome IMAX Theater Discounts plus special
showings, Previews of Special Exhibits and New Acquisitions, Discounts on
Workshops, Day Camps, and Space Camp, discount in the gift shop and cafeteria
and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, call the Membership
Hotline at 256-721-7155 or email member1@spacecamp.com.
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