Frank Malina

Frank Malina was an American aerospace engineer and artist, known for his role in the early development of rocket propulsion. He was a member of the 'Suicide Squad' at Caltech, where he collaborated with Qian Xuesen on groundbreaking research in jet propulsion. Malina’s work laid foundational principles for modern rocketry, and he contributed significantly to the U.S. space program during World War II. Despite his achievements, he faced challenges during the McCarthy era, particularly due to his association with Qian and the accusations of communism.