Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing

Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing

Wernher von Braun, a German-American aerospace engineer and space architect, is often credited as one of the key figures in the development of rocket technology and space exploration. His work with the German military during World War II and later with NASA in the United States played a crucial role in advancing the field of rocket science.

The quote "Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing" perfectly encapsulates von Braun's approach to his work. Throughout his career, von Braun was constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the field of rocketry. He was always exploring new ideas and concepts, often without a clear roadmap of how to achieve his goals. This spirit of curiosity and experimentation drove him to conduct extensive research and testing to further his understanding of rocket technology.

Von Braun's work with the German military during World War II is a prime example of his dedication to research. He was tasked with developing the V-2 rocket, a groundbreaking weapon that was the world's first long-range guided ballistic missile. Von Braun and his team faced numerous challenges in designing and building the V-2, but through their tireless research and experimentation, they were able to overcome these obstacles and successfully launch the rocket in 1944.

After the war, von Braun immigrated to the United States and joined NASA, where he continued his research into rocket technology. He played a key role in the development of the Saturn V rocket, which was used to launch the Apollo missions to the moon. Von Braun's research and innovation were instrumental in achieving President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s.