Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
1946-04-16
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
V-2 rocket
Military trucks
Rockets (Aeronautics)
Launch Complex 33 Historic Site (N.M.)
White Sands Proving Ground (N.M.)
Liquid fuels
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
V-2 preparation for April 16, 1946 launch
The tank in front was the container for carrying the liquid oxygen to be loaded into the bottom propellant tank of the V-2
Alcohol, the fuel, was in the tank stacked on top of the oxidizer
The pipe from the alcohol tank went through the middle of the oxygen tank to get to the propellant pump
Note on verso: "Holding tank in front of V-2 at LC-33, WSPG, N.M."
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s