Who was the professor known for proposing the construction of a giant electronic computer for trajectory calculations?

The proposal for the construction of a giant electronic computer for trajectory calculations is closely associated with John von Neumann. He was a pivotal figure in computer science and mathematics, significantly influencing the design and architecture of digital computers. His work on the ENIAC, one of the earliest electronic general-purpose computers, laid the groundwork for future computing systems.

Von Neumann's contributions included theories about computing and algorithms, along with developing the concept of the stored-program architecture, which is foundational to how modern computers operate today. His vision extended to using computers for complex calculations, such as those required in the field of ballistics and trajectory calculations, which aligned with military research during World War II.

This context underscores why the answer identifying von Neumann as the correct individual is accurate, considering his prominent role in advancing both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer technology.