• A V2 ballistic missile stands beneath a skylight in the Smithsonian. Its cylindrical center section tapers through ogival sections to a warhead fuse and rocket engine exhaust in the tail, which has four swept fins with air vanes on the outer tips.
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    The gallery reminds us that peaceful uses of space had military origins: The Nazi V-2 missile was modified to send the first human-made objects into Earth’s orbit.

  • A V2 ballistic missile stands beneath a skylight in the Smithsonian. Its cylindrical center section tapers through ogival sections to a warhead fuse and rocket engine exhaust in the tail, which has four swept fins with air vanes on the outer tips.

Created:

May 30, 2008

Photographer:

Eric Long

ID#:

2006-2099

Source:

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Air and Space Museum Original Photography, NASM Acc. 2012-0026

Rights Usage:

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use
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