Army Ballistic Missile Agency

German-Born Space Pioneers Helped America Reach the Moon

By Bob Granath | October 22, 2025

In the months and years following the conclusion of World War II, Dr. Wernher von Braun and Dr. Kurt Debus led a team of German rocket experts who came to the United States and helped set the foundation for the utilization of space with the benefits for all of humankind. While their contributions now are a crucial part of everyday life, revisionist historians are attempting to erase the legacy of these pioneers. While their work resulted in development of the infamous V-2 missile, the goal of von Braun and Debus always was to explore space.

Efforts are Underway to Erase Legacy of Key Space Pioneers

By Bob Granath | October 15, 2025

In July 1969, people around the world joined Americans celebrating as NASA’s Apollo 11 astronauts walked on the Moon. This and many other historic achievements were made possible through the vision and work of a team of German rocket experts led by Dr. Wernher von Braun and Dr. Kurt Debus. They came to the United States following World War II and became key leaders in developing technology vital to the “Free World” during the hottest days of the Cold War. However, some groups now are making concerted efforts to erase the memory of these pioneers. While they helped developed the V-2 for Germany during the war, some falsely believe they supported the policies of the Nazi regime.

The U.S. Edges Ahead in the Race for Space, Shoots for the Moon

By Bob Granath | November 28, 2022

The “Space Race” between the United States and the Soviet Union remains an often studied and debated period of the 20th Century. While the Russians began with a lead, once challenged, the leadership of President John F. Kennedy resulted in Americans surpassing their Cold War rival on the way to the Moon. While the effort was politically motivated, the technology that came from space exploration built the modern world.

How Did the United States Take the Lead in the ‘Space Race?’

By Bob Granath | October 26, 2022

One of the most memorable periods of the 20th Century is known as the “Space Race” between the United States and the Soviet Union. While the Russians got off to a fast start with many impressive firsts, Americans quickly pulled ahead and met the goal of landing humans on the Moon. But, historians do not universally agree on when the competition actually began and at what point NASA took the lead.

Kennedy Space Center: Celebrating 60 Years of Launching the Future

By Bob Granath | July 20, 2022

In the decade after the first rocket lifted off into the skies above Cape Canaveral, the launch site became the focal point of America’s efforts to explore beyond Earth. To meet President John F. Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the Moon, a expansive new site was needed. That location became NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, a premier multi-user spaceport now commemorating its 60th anniversary.

Cape Canaveral: Historic Launch Pad for Exploration Beyond Earth

By Bob Granath | July 6, 2022

Marianna Triplett was working at the Pentagon, continuing the effort to transfer millions of men and women back to civilian life after they served in the military during World War II. One day during 1948, a U.S. Army general called her into his office and said he wanted to transfer her to Florida to assist with a “hush-hush secret program.” The new effort building Cape Canaveral Space Force Station would lead to some of the most historic achievements of the decades to come.

Pioneer 4 Marked Beginning of NASA’s Exploration Beyond Earth

By Bob Granath | June 8, 2022

Since its formation in 1958, one of NASA’s core missions has been to explore. The fledgling space agency’s first successful probe to study what lies beyond Earth was Pioneer 4, 64 years ago. NASA’s commitment to exploration is continuing with plans to launch an Orion spacecraft atop a Space Launch System rocket on the Artemis 1 mission targeted for later this year.

America’s First Satellite Established ‘Foothold in Space’

By Bob Granath | July 24, 2019

On the evening of Jan. 31, 1958, the United States orbited its first satellite — Explorer 1. The effort was part of the nation’s participation in the International Geophysical Year (IGY), a peaceful scientific endeavor. It also marked America’s first step in the Space Race of the Cold War.

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