Hermann Oberth

Date of Birth: June 25, 1894

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 28, 1989

Biography

Hermann Julius Oberth was a pioneering Romanian-German physicist and engineer, often regarded as one of the founding fathers of rocketry and astronautics. Born on June 25, 1894, in Hermannstadt, Austria-Hungary (now Sibiu, Romania), Oberth developed a keen interest in science and space exploration from an early age. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern rocketry and space travel. Oberth’s fascination with rocketry began when he was a child, inspired by the science fiction works of Jules Verne. He studied medicine at the University of Munich but soon shifted his focus to physics and rocketry. In 1923, he published his dissertation, “Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen” (“By Rocket into Planetary Space”), which, despite being initially rejected by the University of Heidelberg, became a seminal work in the field of astronautics. Oberth’s contributions were not limited to theoretical work. He conducted practical experiments and mentored future rocket scientists, including Wernher von Braun. His work in the 1920s and 1930s helped to advance the development of liquid-fuel rockets, and he played a crucial role in the early German rocket program. After World War II, Oberth continued his research in the United States and Europe, advocating for space exploration and the peaceful use of rocketry. He published numerous books and papers throughout his career, influencing generations of scientists and engineers. Oberth passed away on December 28, 1989, in Feucht, West Germany, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire space exploration efforts around the world.

5 Interesting Facts about Hermann Oberth

1. Hermann Oberth was inspired by the works of Jules Verne and built his first model rocket at the age of 14.

2. His 1923 book “By Rocket into Planetary Space” is considered one of the first works to scientifically discuss the potential for space travel.

3. Oberth was a mentor to Wernher von Braun, who later became a leading figure in the development of the V-2 rocket and NASA’s Saturn V rocket.

4. He was awarded the Hermann Oberth Medal by the German Rocket Society in 1958, recognizing his contributions to rocket science.

5. Oberth was also interested in the concept of space stations and artificial gravity, ideas that are still relevant in modern space exploration.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hermann Oberth

1. “To move forward, you must first take a step back.”

2. “I have learned to use the word ‘impossible’ with the greatest caution.”

3. “Our educational system is like an automobile which has strong rear lights, brightly illuminating the past. But looking forward things are barely discernible.”

4. “It is important to have dreams and ambitions, but equally important to take action towards achieving them.”

5. “The rocket worked perfectly, except for landing on the wrong planet.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Hermann Oberth’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as his contributions were more scientific than commercial. However, his influence on the field of rocketry and astronautics is considered invaluable.