Adolf Thiel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adolf Thiel
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| Born | February 12, 1915 |
| Died | June 2, 2001 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | German |
| Known for | Supervised preliminary design of the Redstone missile and other short- and intermediate-range ballistic missile systems. |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Thiel |
| Children | 1 son |
| Awards | Fellow of the American Astronautical Society |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Guided missiles |
| Institutions | United States Army |
Adolf Karl Thiel (born February 12, 1915 – died June 2, 2001) was an important engineer. He was born in Austria and later became a German expert in guided missiles. These are rockets that can be steered to hit a target. During World War II, he worked on rocket development. After the war, he moved to the United States and continued his work for the United States Army and a company called TRW.
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Early Work with Rockets
Adolf Thiel was a professor of engineering before he joined a special team. This team was led by Wernher von Braun at a place called Peenemünde. There, they worked on developing the V-2 rocket. This was a very advanced rocket for its time.
Moving to the United States
Near the end of World War II, the U.S. Army brought Thiel to the United States. This was part of a secret plan called Operation Paperclip. Many German scientists came to the U.S. to help with rocket research. Thiel continued to work with von Braun's group in Fort Bliss, Texas.
For nine years, Thiel worked for the U.S. Army. He worked at places like White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and in Huntsville, Alabama. His main job was to oversee the early designs of missiles. He helped develop the Redstone missile and other short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are rockets that fly in an arc, like a thrown ball, to reach their target.
Space Exploration Contributions
In 1955, Thiel left the Army to join Space Technology Laboratories. This company later became TRW.
Developing the Thor Missile
In the late 1950s, Thiel managed the program for the Thor ballistic missile. The Thor missile was important because it was used as the first stage to launch early Explorer spacecraft into space. These spacecraft helped the U.S. explore space.
Leading Space Projects at TRW
Later, Thiel became the director of space projects for TRW. Under his leadership, TRW developed Explorer VI and Pioneer V. These were some of the first U.S. spacecraft to travel into space beyond Earth's orbit. They explored the space between planets. Throughout the 1970s, he oversaw all of TRW's space programs.
Later Life and Recognition
Adolf Thiel retired in 1980 as a senior vice president. After retiring, he continued to work as a consultant for TRW. He also served on planning groups for NASA, the U.S. space agency. In 1968, he was recognized for his achievements and named a fellow of the American Astronautical Society. This is an honor given to people who have made important contributions to space travel.
Family
Adolf Thiel was married to Frances Thiel. They had two sons, Mike and Christopher.
