STEM Innovator
by Clint Camp
About
Wernher Von Braun was born on March 23, 1912 at Wyrzysk, Poland. He was a American rocket scientist, Aerospace engineer, and space architect. He mainly developed the Saturn V Rocket Booster. Before bed Wernher Von Braun was permitted to look up at the starts with his telescope this began his interest in Astromany. Wernher Von Braun did not know it yet but he was yet to become one of the most famous space architect of all time. Wernher von Braun also said the famous quote “Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.” There might not have been a Saturn V Booster and we may have never landed on the moon without him. Wernher played a key role in Germany's rocket development and later moved on to NASA to help with Development with the Saturn V Rocket Booster this played an important role with landing the first person on the moon!
Early life & Childhood
Wernher Von Braun lived in a family of 3 him, His father, Baron Magnus and his mother Emmy von Quistorp. His father's job was a Founder of a German saving bank. His mother's job was a Musician, and later a Amateur Astronomer (one who studies the universe/Space). His mother was a very stong influence on her son Wernher Von Braun especially because she gave him a telescope as a present.
Education & College
As Wernher Von Braun was growing up he was most interested in science and how things worked. Wernher Von Braun was at a French Gymnasium and did excel in languages but unluckily failed Math and Physics. After that he then attended Hermann Lietz School at Ettersburg Castle. There he developed a very high interest in astronomy and overcame all those subjects that he failed. He wanted to mainly study Math and Physics so he could get more used to them. Before graduating, he was teaching Math and Helping students out. He then enrolled at Charlottenburg Institute Of Technology in Berlin, There he developed a small rocket which led to his success. As Wernher was growing up he met the women of his dreams Maria Luise von Quistorp, they got marries and had 3 children together. What made him inspired in rockets were when the ancient Chinese that invented fireworks inspired him to make rockets.
WWII And Later NASA
Wernher Von Braun was alive during WWII and was developing rockets in Germany at that time. One of the most famous rockets he designed during WWII was the V-2 Rocket for Germany. NASA became fully aware and told Wernher Von Braun to come to NASA to help resolve the problem they were having with the Saturn V Rocket Booster. Wernher Von Braun and other people at NASA were one day helping develop it and they tested it and it worked. Wernher von Braun had a important experience when he saw the first man on the moon because of his invention, the Saturn V2 Booster. For doing such a great job and for helping out with the Saturn V2 Rocket Booster he won the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.
Old Years, And Death
Since today many people think Wernher von Braun as one of the “Fathers Of Rocket Science” and describe him as Smart and Honorable. When he was designing the Saturn V2 Rocket was the best thing he did throughout his life and was inspiring & interesting. Wernher von Braun Died on June 16, 1977 at Alexandria Virgina and he died of cancer.