Wernher von Braun

Wernher von Braun was a German-American rocket engineer. He was born in Wirsitz, Germany, in 1912. He was one of the most important figures in rocket science. He helped design the Saturn V rocket that carried astronauts to the Moon.

Early Life

Von Braun was fascinated by space as a boy. He built toy rockets as a child. He studied engineering in Germany. He became a leading rocket scientist during World War II.

Young rocket engineer Wernher von Braun with other scientists.
Young rocket engineer Wernher von Braun with other scientists. (UnknownUnknown / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

After World War II, von Braun moved to the United States. He worked for the U.S. Army and then NASA. He led the team that built the Saturn V, the most powerful rocket ever launched. The Saturn V took Apollo astronauts to the Moon.

Fun Facts

  • Von Braun appeared on TV with Walt Disney to promote space exploration.
  • The Saturn V rocket was 363 feet tall, as tall as a 36-story building.
  • He dreamed of sending humans to Mars.

Did You Know?

Von Braun's past in wartime Germany remains controversial. But his contributions to the American space program were enormous. Without his Saturn V rocket, the Moon landing might not have happened.