Frank Malina and his WAC Corporal ready for launcher at Launch Complex 33, 1945
RG93_102_027.pdf
Information
Collection name
Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
1945-09-11
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
WAC Corporal rocket
Rockets (Aeronautics)
Men
Launch Complex 33 Historic Site (N.M.)
White Sands Proving Ground (N.M.)
Historical context
The White Sands Proving Ground (WSPG) was established in July 9, 1945 and renamed White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in 1958. The world's first atomic bomb was detonated at Trinity Site, at the north end of WSPG, July 16, 1945. The military range served as a principal location for testing rocket technology following World War II, including V-2 rockets brought from Germany at the end of the war. WSMR is known as the birthplace of missile and space activity in the United States. The images in the collection depict WSMR views, V-2 rocket tests, Trinity Site, the old mining site of Estey City (located on the range), and personnel affiliated with operations at WSPG during the mid-1940s. The photographs were donated by the WSMR Public Affairs Office
Provenance
White Sands Missile Range, Public Affairs Office
Extent
Size original: 10 x 8 in.
Notes
Frank Malina, an aeronautical engineer with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, poses next to his creation, the WAC Corporal rocket, before its launch on September 11, 1945
The rocket was designed to carry a 25-pound meteorological payload to an altitude of 20 miles
It did much better and recorded altitudes of over 40 miles
Note on verso: "WAC Corporal ready to go into launcher at LC-33 (fall 1945)"
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s