First Manned Rocket Launch

Lothar Sieber's historic flight on March 1, 1945, marked a significant yet overlooked milestone in spaceflight history, as he became the first man to launch vertically under rocket power. The Natter, a vertical take-off rocket fighter developed during World War II, was designed as a desperate "wonder weapon" to counter Allied bombers. With a unique launch and recovery system, the Natter's pilot would fire 24 rockets at enemy aircraft before ejecting safely via parachute. Despite its innovative design, the Natter was unlikely to succeed as an effective interceptor.