Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

The Father of Space Travel

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.
26:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The V2 rocket, created by Nazi Germany, caused widespread destruction and loss of lives, primarily targeting civilians rather than strategic military objectives.
  • Werner von Braun's affiliation with the Nazis and his transformation into an esteemed figure in America raises concerns about moral responsibility and the decision to employ a former Nazi war criminal.

Deep dives

The V2 Rocket: A Deadly Weapon

The V2 rocket, a rocket-powered bomb created by Nazi Germany, was a technological marvel but a military and economic disaster. It traveled at supersonic speeds, making it impossible to hear or detect in advance. The devastating impact of the V2 rocket on civilian targets, such as London, caused widespread destruction and the loss of many lives. Despite its destructive power, the V2 rocket lacked military value and accuracy, primarily targeting civilians rather than strategic military objectives. The rocket's creation was led by the charismatic engineer Werner von Braun, who had a controversial past tied to the Nazi regime. Following Germany's defeat, von Braun, accompanied by other German scientists, was brought to the United States to work on rocket development, including the eventual moon landing mission. Von Braun's affiliation with the Nazis and his transformation into an esteemed figure in America raises concerns about moral responsibility and the decision to employ a former Nazi war criminal.

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