Science: Missed Swiss

Dr. Fritz Zwicky of Caltech, astronomer, physicist and inventor, is one of the world's leading experts on jet propulsion. Early in World War II, he left astronomy and joined a group of scientists who founded Aerojet-General Corp. of Azusa, Calif. Zwicky became research director, and under his leadership Aerojet developed JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) for rocket blasting heavy-laden bombers into the air. After the war, Zwicky picked the brains of German rocket experts and did outstanding work on rockets, missiles, torpedoes and submarines. In 1949 he resigned as research director of Aerojet, but stayed on as leading member of its...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!