Nazi Germany’s V-2 missile was one of the most influential rockets in history. Built by concentration-camp labor under murderous conditions, the world’s first ballistic missile was launched against London, Antwerp, and other Western European cities in 1944-45. Although a military failure, it went on to influence missile and space launch vehicle development in the USA, USSR, France, and other countries. In his talk, Michael Neufeld will discuss the missile’s history and also the history of how the Museum has displayed it.
The Ask An Expert lecture series at the National Mall building is presented every Wednesday at noon. A Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum.
A V-2 missile on display in the Space Race gallery at the National Mall building.