The Pentagon has identified the remains of Capt. Stephen A. Rusch of Lambertville, N.J., who was listed as missing in action from the Vietnam War. During a March 7, 1972 mission, Rusch was a weapons systems officer on an F-4E attacking enemy targets in Laos. The flight-lead F-4 lost sight of Rusch’s aircraft on its second pass but noted ground fire and a large explosion. Attempts to make radio contact failed, as did later search efforts. Interviews in 1995 led to a crash site and discovery of aircraft wreckage. US officials received a bone fragment and photocopy of Rusch’s ID tag in 2001, but tests showed the bone was not from Rusch. Subsequent excavations at the crash site in 2002 and 2003 uncovered remains that did prove to be his.
Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rockets
March 11, 2026
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Over the past century, new and ever more capable liquid-fueled rockets have literally propelled humanity into space. Why liquid-fueled rockets?