White Sands Missile Range, N.M. (Sep. 10, 2025) – This article is part of a series that will delve into the history of the Trinity Site Test, which marked its 80th anniversary on July 16, 2025, and the commemoration of the growth and evolution of White Sands Missile Range, which marked its 80th anniversary on July 9, 2025. A commemoration of the establishment of White Sands Proving Ground, now called White Sands Missile Range, will take place on Oct. 17 at WSMR and an observance for the test at Trinity Site will take place on Oct. 18 at the Trinity Site Open House.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of White Sands Missile Range, it's essential to reflect on its significant contributions to America's pioneering efforts in space activities. Since its establishment, WSMR has played a pivotal role in the evolution of space exploration, serving as a testing ground for some of the most critical missions in American history.
Over its 80-year history, WSMR has consistently demonstrated its capacity to support innovative space initiatives. These initiatives started in 1946 with the launching of World War II era V-2 rockets. In fact, the first photo from space was taken from the V-2 No. 13, launched 24 October 1946 from WSMR. Interestingly, photos from space indicate that White Sands Missile Range and White Sands National Park are visible from space.
"I can personally attest that White Sands Missile Range is clearly visible from Earth’s orbit. The gypsum dunes create a distinct light patch that stands out from the basin, and contrasts sharply from the dark basaltic lava flows of the Malpais just to the north. America's Range is as beautiful from space as it is here on the ground!" said Col. Andrew R. Morgan, White Sands Missile Range’s Senior Commander who took photos in Spring 2020 during Expedition 62 to the International Space Station.
In 1961, WSMR drafted a proposal for the National Lunar Program, exploring the feasibility of launching Project Apollo from the range. Although logistical challenges prevented this from moving forward, it laid the groundwork for future astronaut training and capabilities at WSMR.
In 1966, the legacy of White Sands continued to grow as NASA tested the Planetary Entry Parachute Program aeroshell, a crucial component in preparing for Mars landings. The successful execution of this program is a clear demonstration of WSMR's essential role in pioneering space technologies, reassuring the world that America’s Range had the capabilities to support space programs.
The Missile Ranger described the three-stage rocket launch, "In the brisk Indian summer air, an Honest John Nike rocket roared skyward, leaving a billowing cloud of sand and trailing a jet of white vapor. It climbed higher and higher, beyond the range of the naked eye."
Additionally, the establishment of the Northrup Strip at WSMR for drone launches and later NASA shuttle training had a significant impact on astronaut training over the decades. With 85 percent of NASA's shuttle pilot landing training conducted at this site, WSMR became synonymous with spaceflight preparation and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The Northrup Strip later renamed White Sands Space Harbor, with its unique ecological conditions and rocket ranges, provided an ideal training ground for astronauts, preparing them for the challenging conditions of spaceflight and ensuring the success of numerous missions.
A pivotal moment in the history of America's Range and space exploration dates to its first spacecraft landing in 1982. The Space Transportation System (STS)-3 Columbia, carrying astronauts Jack Lousma and Gordon Fullerton, concluded its mission on the Northrup Strip at WSMR after a last-minute diversion from Edwards Air Force Base due to adverse weather. The quick response in readiness was a testament to the dedication and capabilities of many WSMR employees, who set the stage for the range's evolution into a vital hub for space missions.
At a WSMR luncheon after the landing, Lousma said, "The space shuttle is a team effort, and you are part of that team." He turned more serious as he recalled the most frequently asked question he received: ‘What has changed in your life since you had the opportunity to fly in space?’
"Flying in space has allowed me to see the Earth as a beautiful, fragile planet. I can appreciate the vastness of the universe and recognize that we are just a small speck within it," Lousma continued. "From space, the Earth's vibrant colors are much more visible. You can see the brown of the desert sands, the blue of the waters, and the white of the clouds. Most notably, you can also see the boundaries that people have imposed on the Earth. We hope that someday we can remove those boundaries."
On May 25, 2022, WSMR witnessed a landmark event in spaceflight history when the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft successfully landed just three-tenths of a mile from its designated site at White Sands Space Harbor. This innovative, parachute-assisted landing marked the successful conclusion of Orbital Flight Test-2, a mission significantly supported by WSMR. The data collected from this test is enhancing NASA's Commercial Crew Program and paving the way for future crewed missions, underscoring WSMR's ongoing role in shaping the future of space exploration.
Karla V. James works for the Materiel Test Directorate as the Air and Space Branch Test Officer at White Sands Missile Range. She coordinates with NASA, Spaceport, Virgin Galactic, and other space entities, particularly when they require the use of WSMR airspace.
"An example of what we do is ensuring that there is a private industry contract with Boeing in place to guarantee that they have the range elements they need for their flight tests and missions," said James.
Entering its 80th year, White Sands Missile Range remains a beacon of innovation, safety, and dedication. The successful Starliner landing at WSMR is a testament to the commitment of countless individuals who have worked tirelessly over the decades to enable safe space exploration. As NASA plans to expand human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station, White Sands Space Harbor will continue to serve as a critical landing area and operational ground for astronauts. Its role in these future missions, along with the potential for further groundbreaking tests and missions, ensures that WSMR will remain at the forefront of space exploration for years to come.
Reflecting on its storied past, White Sands Missile Range stands as a symbol of America's enduring spirit of exploration and innovation in space. Here's to the next chapter in the legacy of America’s Range, as it is America's to inspire future generations of explorers and scientists.
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