Max Valier - A Pioneer Of Space Travel

This is a biography of Max Valier, who is credited with popularizing interest in space travel and rocket research in Germany in 1920's and 1930's. In 1924 he was the first to consider seriously Hermann Oberth's rocket theory. In many publications and lectures he stated that Oberth made possible the penetration into space. Valier planned the technical development of the rocket by stages: first, measurements without motion, then ground vehicles and aircraft propelled by powder rockets, then the development of the reaction engine operation by liquid fuel for rapid transportation through the stratosphere (jet engine), then further steps towards space travel. In 1930 Valier constructed the first small combustion chamber for liquid fuel and reached 28 kg thrust for any length of time (exhibited for the press on April 17, 1930). On May 17, 1930 an explosion occurred while he was experimenting with various fuels. Hit by a component of the exploded chamber, Max Valier died, becoming the first casualty of space travel.