User:SchmiAlf/German influence
German influence on the Soviet space program after WWII / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
During World War II Nazi Germany developed rocket technology that was more advanced than that of the Allies and a race commenced between the Soviet Union and the United States to capture and exploit the technology. Soviet rocket specialist were sent to Germany in 1945 to obtain V-2 rockets and worked with German specialists in Germany and later in the Soviet Union to understand and replicate the rocket technology. The involvement of German scientists and engineers was an essential catalyst to early Soviet efforts. In 1945 to 1947 the use of German expertise was invaluable in reducing the time needed to master the intricacies of the V-2 rocket, establishing production of the R-1 rocket based on locally available materials. In 1948 to 1949 it was used for developping concept studies for long-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles.