Re: The joy of actual numbers, was Democracy

On Fri, 1 Nov 2024, rbowman wrote:

On Fri, 1 Nov 2024 10:36:54 +0100, D wrote:
>

Apart from the fact that the US had rocket research going on in
parallel,
Germany and the US are very much part of the same cultural hemisphere,
so I don't think that is a good counter argument.
>
Relying on Mr. von Braun no doubt accelerated the research.

>
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Robert_H._Goddard#Lack_of_vision_in_the_United_States
>
Goddard was dismissed as a crank; real physicists didn't get their hands
dirty. He had to scramble for funding and to attract any interest.
Meanwhile Germany was pounding Britain with V-2s.
>

The development of rocket technology in the United States has a complex history that involves contributions from various scientists and engineers, both domestic and foreign. While Wernher von Braun is often credited as a pivotal figure in American rocketry, particularly for his role in the Apollo program and the development of the Saturn V rocket, it is essential to recognize that U.S. rocket technology did not solely rely on his expertise or contributions.
Before von Braun’s arrival in the United States after World War II, there were already significant developments in rocketry. The American rocketry movement can be traced back to pioneers such as Robert H. Goddard, who is often referred to as the “father of modern rocketry.” Goddard successfully launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket on March 16, 1926. His work laid foundational principles for future rocket designs and propulsion systems.
_In addition to Goddard_, other figures like Hermann Oberth (whose writings inspired von Braun) and various amateur rocketry groups contributed to early advancements. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), established during World War II, was another critical site for rocket research and development independent of von Braun.
In summary, the US would have gotten there eventually, but as per my original statement, relying on Mr. von Braun no doubt accelerated the research.