Rio Grande Historical Collections Photographs, 1885-1950s
Date
circa 1947
Decade
1940s
Subject (LCSH)
V-2 rocket
Rockets (Aeronautics)
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: 8.5 x 11 in.
Notes
Early V-2 launch from Launch Complex 33
In this picture from left to right are: the army blockhouse, the V-2 gantry, the V-2, and a German V-2 railroad transport and erector/launcher car
The railcar sits on a very short strip of rail specially installed for the car
No records indicate it was ever used in a launch and was quickly removed
Digital publisher
New Mexico State University Library
Source
NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections
Source collection name: White Sands Missile Range Photographs, 1905-1950s