MW 18014

Quick Facts: Who was MW 18014?

Subject:

MW 18014

Known for:

German V-2 rocket, first man-made object to reach outer space.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

MW 18014 was a German V-2 rocket launched on 20 June 1944, at the Peenemünde Army Research Center in Peenemünde. It was the first man-made object to reach outer space, attaining an apogee of 176 kilometres (109 mi), well above the Kármán line that was established later as the lowest altitude of space. As a vertical test launch that was not intended to reach orbital velocity, it returned and impacted Earth, making it the first sub-orbital spaceflight.

Career & Major Achievements

Early A-4 rockets, despite being able to reach altitudes of 90 km, had suffered from multiple reliability problems. For example, a design fault in the forward part of the outer hull caused it to regularly fail mid-flight, resulting in the failure of as many as 70% of test launches.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On one occasion, an A-4 rocket suffering from pogo oscillations during ascent veered 90° off course, then spiralled back down to its launch pit, killing four launch troops on site. The Peenemünde rocket team made a number of improvements to rectify the reliability problems during 1943 and the first half of 1944.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1943: 1943 Milestone — The Peenemünde rocket team made a number of improvements to rectify the reliability problems during 1943 and the first half of 1944.
2. 1944: 1944 Milestone — MW 18014 was a German V-2 rocket launched on 20 June 1944, at the Peenemünde Army Research Center in Peenemünde.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: MW 18014

True or False: “MW 18014 was the first man-made object to reach outer space.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The rocket achieved an apogee of 176 kilometers, surpassing the Kármán line and marking the first documented sub-orbital spaceflight.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdülmecid II — Historical peer (Died in 1944) (1944): Last Ottoman Caliph and prominent Turkish aesthete, head of the Osmanoğlu family.
• Agustín Barrios — Historical peer (Died in 1944) (1944): Paraguayan virtuoso classical guitarist and composer, celebrated for his prolific works.
• Agustín Pedro Justo — Historical peer (Died in 1943) (1943): 18th President of Argentina, leading during the tumultuous Infamous Decade.
• Akaji Maro — Historical peer (Born in 1943) (1943): Pioneering Japanese butoh performer, director, and acclaimed film actor.

Frequently Asked Questions about MW 18014