1.
What year was Wernher von Braun born?
Correct Answer
C. 1912
Explanation
Wernher von Braun, whose full name was Wernher Magnus Maximilian Freiherr von Braun, was born on March 23, 1912, in Wirsitz, in what was then the German Empire, and is now part of Poland.
2.
What was Wernher von Braun's nationality?
Correct Answer
A. German
Explanation
Wernher von Braun's nationality was German. He was born in Germany and spent a significant part of his early career there before immigrating to the United States. He later became a naturalized American citizen.
3.
What was the main focus of Wernher von Braun's doctoral dissertation?
Correct Answer
B. Principles of rocket propulsion and design
Explanation
Wernher von Braun's doctoral dissertation was titled "About Combustion Tests," and it primarily focused on the principles of rocket propulsion and design. In his research, von Braun examined and experimented with various aspects of rocket technology, including combustion processes, which are crucial for propulsion in rockets.
4.
At which institution did Wernher von Braun receive his doctorate in Physics?
Correct Answer
D. University of Berlin
Explanation
Von Braun received his doctorate in physics (aerospace engineering) on July 27, 1934, from the University of Berlin for a thesis titled "About Combustion Tests." His doctoral supervisor was Erich Schumann.
5.
Which military force did Wernher von Braun join in 1932?
Correct Answer
A. German Army
Explanation
Wernher von Braun joined the German Army in 1932, where he developed V-2 rockets during World War II. Wernher von Braun joined the German Army in 1932 as an artillery officer. However, his career path took a significant turn when he became involved in rocketry and space exploration. He began his work on rocket development in the 1930s, and this led to his later involvement in the development of the V-2 rocket during World War II.
6.
Which major space agency did Wernher von Braun work for?
Correct Answer
A. NASA
Explanation
Wernher von Braun worked for NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He joined NASA in 1955 and played a key role in the development of the Saturn V rocket, which helped launch the Apollo missions to the Moon.
7.
What was Wernher von Braun's major contribution to space exploration?
Correct Answer
C. Establishment of the Apollo moon landing program
Explanation
Wernher von Braun played a crucial role in the establishment and development of the Apollo moon landing program. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Saturn V rocket, which was instrumental in sending astronauts to the Moon as part of NASA's Apollo program. Von Braun's leadership and expertise in rocketry were critical in achieving the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, with astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin becoming the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface.
8.
Which rocket was developed under Wernher von Braun's leadership?
Correct Answer
D. Saturn V
Explanation
The rocket developed under Wernher von Braun's leadership was the Saturn V. The Saturn V was a powerful and iconic rocket used by NASA for the Apollo program, including the historic Apollo 11 mission that landed the first humans on the Moon. Von Braun was instrumental in the development of the Saturn V and played a key role in making the Moon landing a reality.
9.
What project did Wernher von Braun work on after immigrating to the United States?
Correct Answer
A. Project Mercury
Explanation
Wernher von Braun worked on Project Mercury after immigrating to the United States. Project Mercury was the first human spaceflight program in the United States, and it aimed to put American astronauts into space. Von Braun and his team at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Huntsville, Alabama, played a critical role in the development of the Redstone rocket, which was used in the early Mercury missions. His work on Project Mercury was a significant step toward the United States' goal of achieving human spaceflight.
10.
Which organization did Wernher von Braun join after leaving NASA?
Correct Answer
D. Fairchild Aircraft
Explanation
Wernher von Braun joined Fairchild Aircraft after leaving NASA. He took on a leadership role at Fairchild, where he worked on various aerospace and space-related projects. Von Braun continued to contribute to the field of aerospace and rocketry after his time at NASA.
11.
In which country did Wernher von Braun spend most of his career?
Correct Answer
A. United States
Explanation
Wernher von Braun spent the majority of his career in the United States, working on various space exploration programs. Wernher von Braun spent most of his career in the United States. After emigrating from Germany following World War II, he became a naturalized American citizen and worked extensively in the United States, contributing to the development of the U.S. space program. His work in the U.S. was pivotal in advancing rocketry and space exploration during the mid-20th century.
12.
What was Wernher von Braun's famous book called?
Correct Answer
A. The Exploration of Mars
Explanation
Wernher von Braun's famous book was called "The Exploration of Mars." The book was a visionary work that explored the possibilities and challenges of human missions to Mars and contributed to discussions and planning for future Mars exploration.
13.
Which prestigious award did Wernher von Braun receive in 1975?
Correct Answer
D. National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Explanation
Wernher von Braun received the National Medal of Science in 1975, which is a prestigious award in the United States recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of science and engineering. This award honors individuals who have made significant advancements in various scientific disciplines.
14.
Which rocket launching facility did Wernher von Braun establish?
Correct Answer
B. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Explanation
Wernher von Braun established the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, which later became a major space launch site. Wernher von Braun played a significant role in establishing the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (later known as Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex) as a rocket launching facility in the United States. This facility, located in Florida, became a vital center for launching rockets and spacecraft, including those used in the Mercury and Gemini programs, and later became part of the Kennedy Space Center, where Apollo missions were launched.
15.
Which World War II operation involved the use of V-2 rockets developed by Wernher von Braun?
Correct Answer
D. Operation Paperclip
Explanation
The World War II operation that involved the use of V-2 rockets developed by Wernher von Braun was Operation Paperclip. This operation, which took place near the end of World War II, aimed to capture German scientists and engineers, including von Braun, and bring them to the United States to work on rocket and missile technology. Von Braun and his team's expertise with the V-2 rockets played a crucial role in advancing missile technology and space exploration in the United States after the war.