As previously mentioned, the Redstone was originally derived from an ICBM, or Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, also named Redstone. The vehicle was designed by Werner von Braun. originally a scientist for the Nazis during World War II, he was responsible for creating the first rocket, the V2, from which the Redstone is based. The Redstone utilized by NASA was the ICBM with the warhead removed, and replaced by a capsule. Missions on the Redstone had one purpose, to put an American up in space, and come back down. the Mercury-Redstone program only had two manned flights, both in 1961, along with 5 unmanned flights taking place between 1960 and 1961.