Idaho Skies Transcript for March 22nd and 23rd

RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for March 22nd and 23rd. We’re your hosts, Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
Werner von Braun was born 105 years ago on the 23rd.

PAUL
Von Braun is best known for his work on the early American space program.

RACHEL
In the US, he helped create the Redstone missile.

PAUL
This is the missile that put the first American satellite into orbit.

RACHEL
The Redstone was further upgraded in order to launch the first American into space.

PAUL
In this case, Alan Shepard’s flight was suborbital.

RACHEL
However, Von Braun’s rocket work goes back to before World War II.

PAUL
As a student, he became excited by the prospect of space travel.

RACHEL
His excitement in 1930, lead him to join the VfR, an amateur rocket organization in Germany.

PAUL
Unfortunately, the Nazi party came to power three years later.

RACHEL
The German military wanted to use rockets to get around limitations set in the Versailles treaty that ended World War I.

PAUL
In their quest to secretly build rockets, they co-opted the VfR and some of its members.

RACHEL
This included von Braun.

PAUL
Many historians feel Von Braun was not totally innocent in this event.

RACHEL
Because he was willing to work with the current German government to advance his interests in rocketry.

PAUL
With the help of military money, Von Braun eventually perfected the rocket as a weapon of war.

RACHEL
The V-2 missile killed thousands of civilians.

PAUL
But far more slave labors died building it.

RACHEL
It’s a shame that an amazing tool of exploration began as a weapon of destruction.

PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 22nd and 23rd of March.

RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.

For Idaho Skies this is Rachel...

PAUL
...and Paul.

RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.