Chronology - Quarter 3 1939

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1939 July 1 - Launch Vehicle: JATO.

JATO project funded. Nation: USA. National Academy of Sciences sponsored a $10,000 research program at Cal Tech Rocket Research Project for development of rockets suitable to assist Air Corps planes in takeoffs, the first U.S. rocket program. References: 17.

1939 July 6 -

Wernher von Braun proposed to the German Reich Air Ministry a "fighter with rocket drive". Nation: Germany. Spacecraft: Von Braun Rocketplane. The vertical take-off interceptor would reach 8 km altitude in 53 seconds and then manoeuvre toward the aircraft to be intercepted. The design was developed further by Fieseler as the Fi-166, which retained the rocket takeoff but used a turbojet for a longer cruising flight. The Ministry finally rejected the vertical-takeoff rocket interceptor concept at the end of 1941. The concept was revived at the end of the war as the Bachem Natter.

1939 September 5 - Launch Site: Peenemuende. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: V-2.

A4 full scale development authorised Nation: Germany. Von Brauchtisch gave the go-ahead for the A4 to enter full development as a weapon system for the German Army. References: 693.

1939 September 12 - Launch Site: Kummersdorf. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: V-2.

Goering tours Kummersdorf-West Nation: Germany. Unlike Hitler, he was enthusiastic about the potential of rocket technology. References: 693.

1939 September 30 - Launch Site: Peenemuende. Launch Complex: -. Launch Pad: -. Launch Vehicle: V-2.

Rocket development given highest priority Nation: Germany. Von Brauchtisch obtained the highest priority for development of the A4. This was used in early 1940 to get 4,000 soldiers with the necessary engineering and technical backgrounds released from the Army and sent to Peenemuende's 'Versuchskommando-Nord'. Nevertheless there was a constant fight for priority in obtaining materials. References: 693.

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