Franz Oskar Leo Elder von Hoefft (1882-1954) was an Austrian space scientist.[1]

Biography

Born in Vienna, his initial military career was cut short due to poor eyesight, leading him to pursue academics.[2] He obtained a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Vienna in 1907 after studying at the University of Technology in Vienna.[2][3]

In 1926, von Hoefft co-founded the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Höhenforschung (Scientific Society for High Altitude Research), the first organization in Europe dedicated to space-related research and served as its president.[2][3][4] This society engaged in early space exploration concepts and collaborated with contemporaries in rocketry, such as Hermann Oberth.[2]

Von Hoefft proposed several rocket designs, starting with the RH-1, a sounding rocket intended for high-altitude atmospheric research.[2][3] This was followed by the RH-2, designed for tasks like transporting mail and photographing Earth from high altitudes.[2] The RH-3, a two-stage rocket, was conceptualized for lunar missions.[2] His most advanced proposals were the RH-V, a spacecraft for global and lunar travel, and the RH-VIII, a multistage rocket designed for interplanetary exploration.[2] He suggested these rockets could be built in space to bypass the constraints of Earth-based launches.[2]

Von Hoefft's work was hindered by internal disagreements within Austria's rocketry community and the political changes in Austria during the 1930s.[2] The Scientific Society for High Altitude Research dissolved in 1930, and following Austria's annexation in 1938, the focus of rocketry shifted towards military applications.[2]

Von Hoefft died in Linz, Austria, in 1954, having made significant early contributions to the field of space science.[2][3]

References

  1. ↑ "Hoefft, Franz". De Gruyter.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/franz-von-hoefft/
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Kluge Köpfe". www.esa.int.
  4. ↑ "Österreichische Weltraumpioniere | FFG". www.ffg.at.
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