Franz Oskar Leo Elder von Hoefft (1882–1954) was an Austrian space scientist.[1]
Born on 5 April 1882 in Vienna, von Hoefft's initial military career was cut short due to poor eyesight, leading him to pursue academics.[2] He obtained a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Vienna in 1907 after studying at the University of Technology in Vienna.[2] [3]
In 1926, von Hoefft co-founded the (Scientific Society for High Altitude Research), the first organization in Europe dedicated to space-related research and served as its president.[2] [3] [4] This society engaged in early space exploration concepts and collaborated with contemporaries in rocketry, such as Hermann Oberth.[2]
Von Hoefft proposed several rocket designs, starting with the RH-1, a sounding rocket intended for high-altitude atmospheric research.[2] [3] This was followed by the RH-2, designed for tasks like transporting mail and photographing Earth from high altitudes.[2] The RH-3, a two-stage rocket, was conceptualized for lunar missions.[2] His most advanced proposals were the RH-V, a spacecraft for global and lunar travel, and the RH-VIII, a multistage rocket designed for interplanetary exploration.[2] He suggested these rockets could be built in space to bypass the constraints of Earth-based launches.[2]
Von Hoefft's work was hindered by internal disagreements within Austria's rocketry community and the political changes in Austria during the 1930s.[2] The Scientific Society for High Altitude Research dissolved in 1930, and following Austria's annexation in 1938, the focus of rocketry shifted towards military applications.[2]
Von Hoefft died in Linz, Austria, in 1954, having made significant early contributions to the field of space science.[2] [3]