Historic White Sands Missile Range

J. W. Powell, K. J. Scala. (1994), JBIS, 47, pp.82-98

Refcode: 1994.47.82

Abstract:

Launch Complex 33 at White Sands Missile Range, site or the American V-2 rocket firings from 1946 to 1952, was officially dedicated as a National Historical Landmark on May 27, 1986. The marker erected on the site reads, ”Birthplace of America’s missile and space activity. It was from this site that rocket and missile pioneers took the first fledgling steps which were to free man from Earth’ s bonds and lake him lo the Moon. Here began space travel and exploration in man’s eternal quest for greater knowledge of hi s universe.” This paper is an attempt to provide a thumbnail sketch or the launch facilities against the background of the early accomplishments in space research al the range. Chronologies are presented for the V-2, WAC-Corporal, Hermes and Viking launches that were conducted at Complex 33. The adjacent Navy Launch Area (designated Complex 35) is also documented.