Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Father of Space Travel
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Jul 28, 2023 Ryan Dilley, Pushkin's resident V-2 expert and former producer, dives deep into the intricate history of the V-2 rocket, revealing a personal family connection that adds an emotional layer to its story. He discusses the controversial legacy of Wernher von Braun, exploring how his wartime past intertwines with his later role in American space exploration. Dilley and Tim reflect on the ethical implications of employing former Nazis, all while teasing the compelling contrasts between technological achievements and the moral costs of history.
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Smithfield Market V2 Incident
- Ryan Dilley's great-grandmother worked near Smithfield Market.
- A V2 rocket landed there, causing 110 deaths and narrowly missing her.
V2's Purpose
- The V2 rocket, initially called the A-rocket, was a terror weapon.
- 'V' stands for Vergeltungswaffe, meaning retaliation or vengeance in German.
V2's Impact
- Unlike conventional bombs, V2 rockets offered no warning due to supersonic speed.
- They caused unique damage by burrowing deep and destroying building foundations.