Cracking the Sky: A History of Rocket Science in South Africa

This is the account of a young boy's dream to launch a rocket into the air which eventually led to the making of history in South Africa. The author has attempted to relate the events of those early years up to the time when he was prohibited from further research in the field of rocket science. In his quest to send rockets higher plus the emphasis on safety, he formed the South African Rocket Research Group.

This band of dedicated amateurs accomplished many firsts in South Africa but not without incurring the attention of the authorities! This attention finally led to the end of the dream that lasted 14 years and saw the launching of 528 rockets. The intervening years have not dimmed the vision of the fiery take-offs and majestic rise from earth as those vehicles endeavoured to crack the sky. This is the story of the start of rocket science in South Africa and it cannot be glossed over as this means of propulsion has humankind reaching for the stars today.