Inspired by the possibllltles of space exploration by reading the science fiction of Jules Verne and H.
G. Wells, von Braun developed a keen Interest In space flight, and became the most important rocket designer of his time. During World War II, von Braun worked for the German army, developing missiles. This work resulted in the V-2 rocket, which used liquid fuel and could bomb targets in Europe.
The structure of the V-2 rocket became the basis of the rockets used in space exploration programs in the US and the USSR after the war. After World War II, con Braun worked with the US army In the development of ballistic missiles. In 1960, his rocket development centre transferred from the army to the newly established NASA and set about building the giant Saturn rockets that would take astronauts to the moon. Von Braun was born on March 23rd, 1912, in Wirsitz, Germany. His father, Baron Magnus von Braun, was the founder of the German Savings Bank, a member of the Weimar Republic Cabinet, and minister of agriculture. As a student, Wernher excelled in languages but failed in physics and mathematics.
He then attended the Hermann Lletz School where he developed an Intense Interest In astronomy. Wernher von Braun was the leader of the ‘ rocket team’ which had developed the German ballistic missile in World War II. He attended institutes of technology in Berlin and received doctorate in physics in 1934. He and his team worked on projects that led to the development of the V-1 and V-2 guided missiles used against the Allies.
In 1945, the rocket team surrendered to the US Army; some of the men came to America and were installed at Fort Bliss to work on rocket development.
