December 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, December 8th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2022
Archive of 34 photos, circa 1950s, of the U.S. Air Force and NASA's rocket development program. After the Soviet Union began detonating thermonuclear bombs, the USAF formed the Teapot Committee in 1953 to accelerate the U.S. missile guided weapon technology, and tapped the Ramo-Wooldridge Corp. to build the first ICBM. The company ultimately developed the ABLE-I, which in 1958, paired with the Thor rocket, launched a payload 78,000 nautical miles into space, the farthest distance at that time.
This cache of photos originates from Ramo-Wooldridge, with eleven having backstamps from the company's GMRD (Guided Missile Research Division) or STL (Space Technology Laboratories) divisions. Many photos are marked as ''Restricted'', showing models of the ABLE-I, noted as the ''first instrumented exploration of outer space''. All photos are glossy and measure 8'' x 10''. Light wear and creasing to most, a few with small margin tears. Overall in very good condition.
Lot of 34 Photos from the 1950s of U.S. Air Force Missile & Rocket Development -- With Ramo-Wooldridge & Space Technology Laboratories Backstamps
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