Afrpl History

The AIR FORCE ROCKET PROPULSION LABORATORY HISTORY The Organization, the History, and the People is edited by Robert L. Geisler and written in three parts by the AFRPL Alumni Group. In its four-plus decades of service, the AFRPL, located at Edwards AFB California, was the source and focal point for much of the advanced, rocket propulsion technology for the United States Air Force and the propulsion community at-large. The lab produced over 5,000, proud, rocket scientists and technicians. It was the only facility in the country whose exploratory, development program spanned the spectrum of propulsion system applications, including, tactical rockets, ballistic missiles, space propulsion, and related multiple application technologies, such as, chemistry, materials, structures, combustion, plume phenomenology, and hazards. It has provided unique and valuable in-house capabilities and facilities, which have greatly altered the course of events of rocket propulsion. It has made the Air Force an intelligent buyer and user of rocket technology upon which the security of the nation has relied. This is a story is worth telling!