Space Rocket History #12 – Vanguard TV3 – Flopnik

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“It seemed as if the gates of hell had opened up.  Brilliant stiletto flames shot out from the side of the rocket near the engine. The vehicle agonizingly hesitated for a moment, quivered again, and in front of our unbelieving eyes, began to topple. It sank like a great flaming sword down into the blast tube it toppled slowly breaking apart, hitting part of the test guard and ground with a tremendous roar that could be felt and heard even behind the 2 food concrete wall of the blockhouse. For a moment or two there was complete disbelief. I could see it in the faces. I could feel it myself.”  

Vang1

Vanguard TV3 Launch

Vang2

Vanguard TV3 Diagram

Vang4

Vanguard Satellite

One thought on “Space Rocket History #12 – Vanguard TV3 – Flopnik”

  1. Love the comments from the world press to the failure, made me lol. Lots of great snippets in these podcasts, and I really like the fact that you are looking at the wider implications and social influences of the space race, and not just the story of exploration.