White Sands V-2 Launching Site, Historic rocket launch complex in Doña Ana County, United States
The White Sands V-2 Launching Site is a historic rocket testing facility located in the New Mexico desert. The complex includes a 75-foot steel gantry, a concrete observation tower with 10-foot-thick protective walls, and adjustable launch platforms spread across roughly 10 acres.
Between 1946 and 1951, scientists conducted 67 V-2 rocket launches at this site using captured German technology from World War II. These test flights established the foundation for American spaceflight development in the postwar era.
The complex earned National Historic Landmark status in 1985, marking its role in advancing American space exploration and military rocket development.
The site is located within White Sands Missile Range, so advance permission is required to visit the area. Check ahead with the relevant authorities about access conditions and visiting requirements before planning your trip.
The observation tower contains specialized viewing portals built into its pyramidal concrete roof, allowing personnel to monitor launches from a protected vantage point. This clever design protected observers from blast and debris during test flights.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
