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This week for my passion blog, I want to step back from the world of NASA and explore an important person in the history of rocket propulsion.  Max Valier was born in 1895 in Bozen, Austria-Hungary, current day Bolzano Italy.  He was not even one year old when his father died.  His step-sister, Martha, would become a strong supporter of his work and would provide journals to people after Valier’s death. 

From the age of 15, Valier began his study of astronomy.  After high school, he attended the University of Innsbruck, where he studied astronomy, mathematics and physics and created a model plane that used a motor (Essers).  In 1914 he joined the military where he tested aircraft.  After his time there, he wrote a few books that were largely publicized.  He is noted for spreading the popularity of spaceflight not only in Germany, but throughout the world (International Space Hall of Fame).

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Valier is probably most well-known for his work with rocket propulsion.  His well-thought out plan included four stages that would prepare him in his endeavor to put a rocket in an aircraft.  After research and testing of the efficiency of motors, he, along with Fritz von Opel and F.W. Sanders, created the first rocket car in 1928.  Later that year, one of his cars would reach 145 mph, and in 1929 one would reach 250 mph.  He also created a rocket sled shortly after the rocket car.  He then began the third stage of his plan, the experiments that involved using rockets in aircraft.  In 1930, Valier’s work ended when one of his motors exploded and killed him.

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Valier contributed to the development of rockets through his research and experimentation.  His genuine curiosity and drive to find solutions inspired others to follow his lead.  His experiments drew large crowds who marveled as they watched the rocket-powered cars fly past them at insanely fast speeds.  Many people who were previously uninterested in rockets were now exposed to its power.  Valier also provided interesting perspective and ideas on the mysteries of the universe through his books, journals, and letters to friends.  He added a twist to common theories and inspired others to think differently.

http://io9.com/Max-Valier/

Valier’s work contributed to the rockets of today by improving the efficiency of rockets and developing rocket powered vehicles.  After his death, rocket-powered vehicles would be further developed for drag-racing and speed records.  In my opinion, his work was important because it made the field of astronomy and rocketry much more interesting.  Rocket-powered vehicles were things that everyone enjoyed watching, and thus he was essential for inspiring people to study these fields.

Works Cited:

Essers. Max Valier – A Pioneer of Space Travel. Washington D.C.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1976. NASA Technical Translation. Web. 2 Dec. 2012.

International Space Hall of Fame. Alamogordo: New Mexico Museum of Space History, 2012. New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Web. 2 Dec. 2012.