HSC Physics Assessment Task 1 – Part B
Hermann Oberth
Hermann Oberth was a German Physicist who made large contributions to the field of rocketry in both the basic theory and the design of rockets. In 1922, he submitted a physics dissertation while studying at the University of Heidelberg on this subject. This paper examined mathematically the possibility for a rocket to reach escape velocity and leave the Earth’s orbit. He also supported and explained the notion that rockets could be propelled in a vacuum, an idea which was contrary to most scientific opinion at the time. These pioneering ideas have formed the basis of our modern space program. His work mentioned the possible effect on an astronaut’s body of experiencing the g-forces required to escape the Earth’s gravitational pull. Finally, he discussed the further possibility of launching spacecraft into orbit, which has led to our modern widespread use of communication satellites.
His original paper on rocket design, entitled “Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen”, was controversial and was widely rejected by the scientific community at the time. His work received greater support later, and he received the “Rep-Hirsch” prize in 1929, giving him $10,000, which he used to …show more content…
Most notably, his student Wernher Von Braun went on to become very successful in aerospace engineering. During WWII, Oberth worked with Von Braun to develop the V2 rocket for Germany, which was used against Britain, killing up to 3000 people, after which he developed solid-propellant anti-aircraft rockets. The outer booster rockets subsequently used in launching the US space shuttles were of solid fuel design. In 1955, he and Von Braun worked together yet again, this time aiming to design rockets that could reach space. This process eventually led to the development of the Saturn V rocket, which famously took the first humans to the Moon in