What Exactly Is a Rocket Sled? | “Transformational Technologies” Episode 5
In 1954, Air Force flight surgeon John Stapp strapped himself to the Sonic Wind 1, a rocket sled powered by nine solid fuel rockets with 40,000 pounds total thrust, and traveled more than 3,000 feet in just a few seconds. Why did he do this? To explore the impact of the effects of extreme acceleration – like what might occur when flying jet aircraft or launching to space – on the human body.
In the “Transformational Technologies” video series, the National Air and Space Museum explores artifacts in its collection that changed our lives, transformed the way we viewed the world, or looked at an existing problem in a new way. All artifacts featured are now on display in the eight new galleries at the National Air and Space Museum in DC.
“Transformational Technologies” is made possible by the support of Lockheed Martin.