History Daily
Wernher von Braun’s Secret Defection
Jun 20, 2024
Nazi rocket scientist Wernher von Braun's secret defection to the US in 1945. The podcast explores his transition from developing V-2 rockets to space exploration, his controversial legacy, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his past.
15:56
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Quick takeaways
- Wernher von Braun's passion for astronomy and rockets sparked his groundbreaking contributions to space exploration.
- Von Braun's strategic defection to the US under Operation Paperclip propelled American achievements in space technology.
Deep dives
Wernher von Braun's Early Fascination with Rockets and Astronomy
At age 14 in Berlin, Wernher von Braun receives a telescope as a birthday gift, igniting his passion for astronomy. His interest in rockets is piqued by a German engineer's book, leading him to experiment with attaching fireworks to a toy car. Joining the German Rocket Society, von Braun impresses army officers with his rocket tests, eventually being recruited to develop rockets for military use.
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