First Photograph of Earth from Outer Space: The V-2 No. 13 Rocket

Name: First Photograph of Earth from Outer Space: The V-2 No. 13 Rocket
Start: 1946-10-24
Location: Unspecified

The Historic Launch of the V-2 No. 13 Rocket

The V-2 No. 13 Rocket's Journey

On October 24, 1946, a groundbreaking moment in space exploration occurred as the V-2 No. 13 rocket was launched from White Sands, New Mexico. This rocket was part of a series of tests conducted by American scientists to study upper atmospheric conditions. It was equipped with a revolutionary camera that would capture images never seen before by the human eye.

The Role of V-2 Rockets in Space History

The V-2 rocket, originally developed during World War II, was adapted for scientific exploration post-war. The launch aimed to gather data and photographs of the atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in rocketry at the time. It represented a significant leap in both technology and our understanding of space.

Capturing the First Image of Earth from Space

The Breakthrough Photograph

As the V-2 No. 13 ascended to an altitude of 105 kilometers (about 65 miles), the camera on board clicked to capture the first clear image of the Earth from the edge of space. This stunning photograph revealed the planet in a way that had never been experienced before—showing the curvature of the Earth against the backdrop of the infinite universe.

Significance of the Photograph

The images taken by the V-2 No. 13 marked a major milestone in both scientific research and public interest in space exploration. This photograph not only paved the way for future space missions but also ignited a fascination with the cosmos, inspiring generations to look beyond our planet.

Fun Fact

A Surprising Find from the V-2 Mission

Interestingly, the camera on the V-2 rocket was designed to take a single photograph before it was expected to crash back to Earth. Despite its short lifespan, this single image would leave a lasting legacy in the field of astronautics.