The Legacy of Wernher von Braun and the Space Race

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on Wernher von Braun's impact on the American space program and the broader context of the Cold War.

Huntsville, Alabama

The location where Wernher von Braun and his team of German rocket scientists worked on the American space program.

Bernard von Braun

A leading rocket scientist who became an American citizen at the age of 43.

Mars Project

A novel written by von Braun based on real data about space travel.

V-2 rocket

The first successful ballistic missile developed by von Braun's team during World War II.

Operation Paperclip

The secret program under which German scientists, including von Braun, were brought to the US post WWII.

Sputnik

The first artificial Earth satellite launched by the Soviet Union, marking the start of the space race.

Redstone rocket

A missile developed by von Braun's team that was crucial to early American rocket programs.

U-2 spy plane

A high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed by Kelly Johnson, significant for intelligence-gathering during the Cold War.

R-7 rocket

The basic rocket for the Soviet space program during the 1950s, which was instrumental in launching Sputnik.

The Cold War

The geopolitical tension between the US and the Soviet Union that spurred the space race.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

A long-range missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, developed by both the US and Soviet Union.

Photoreconnaissance

The process of using aerial photography, which became vital for intelligence during the Cold War era.

Vanguard project

The US Navy's satellite launch program, which was competing with von Braun's Army project during the space race.

The space race

The competition between the US and the Soviet Union to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.

Jupiter-C

A four-stage rocket launched by von Braun to test satellite capabilities, reaching record altitudes.

Futuristic fantasy

A term used to describe the initial perception of space travel by critics, including President Eisenhower.

Army Rocket Center

The facility in Huntsville, Alabama where von Braun and his team worked on developing rockets for the US.

Heritage vs. Skills

A philosophical distinction made by von Braun emphasizing technological legacy over practical applications during WWII.

Soviet satellite launch

The event that sparked a national crisis of confidence in the US following the successful launch of Sputnik.

Interview with German rocket scientists

Efforts made by Soviet officials to engage with remaining German scientists after the war.

Eyewitness accounts

Testimonies from individuals who experienced significant events in the space race.