Remnants of "Prufstand West" in Kummersdorf, as it looked in the post-Soviet period. Apparently, it was constructed in 1934. Click to enlarge . Credit: ( 294 )

A semi-buried bunker next to the Prufstand Ost probably served as a control and firing room for the facility. Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2008 Anatoly Zak

"...At the corners of the back wall there were two openings at eye level, fitted with mirrors to enable the testing staff to observe the rocket motor..." ( 296 ) Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2008 Anatoly Zak

"...In the back wall were a number of holes leading to an observation or measurement chamber. This mysterious room contained an incredible chaos of blue, red, green, and yellow pipes for measuring, feeding and testing propellants and high-pressure nitrogen, in addition to valves, meters, and recording apparatus..." ( 296 ) Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2008 Anatoly Zak

"...Three concrete walls, 18 feet long and 12 feet high were arranged in the form of a U, the place of fourth wall being taken by folding metal doors. There was a sliding wooden roof covered with tarpaper, which could be moved on rollers by means of small winch..." ( 296 ) Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2008 Anatoly Zak

Soon after the Nazi takeover of power in Germany, Adolf Hitler watched a rocket engine demonstration in Kummersdorf on Sept. 21, 1933.

A photo likely showing one of the earliest test stand assemblies for liquid-propellant rocket engines in Kummersdorf. Click to enlarge . Credit: ( 295 )

During 1933, a newly-formed team of engineers led by Wernher von Braun experimented with a multitude of combustion chamber shapes, in a trial-and-error effort to find an optimal design of the rocket engine. Various materials, such as steel and aluminum were also tested. Click to enlarge .

The Repulsor rocket is being picked up after a test launch, apparently made in Kummersdorf on June 22, 1934. Its parachute, enabling soft-landing, can be seen on the right. Click to enlarge .

Captain Walter Dornberger took charge of the first rocket development establishment of the German army in Kummersdorf in 1930.

The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, France, where a treaty concluding World War I was signed in 1919. Despite scenes of heavens adoring its magnificent ceiling, the authors of the Versailles Treaty did not think of including rockets into the list of weapons prohibited for development in the defeated Germany. Click to enlarge . Copyright © 2002 Anatoly Zak

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