Object Details
Manufacturer
Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Summary
This liquid-propellant rocket motor of Dr. Robert H. Goddard was flown on his rocket launch of 17 July 1929. The propellants were liquid oxygen and gasoline. It was the first liquid-propellant rocket to carry scientific instruments (an aneroid barometer and thermometer). The rocket flew to 28 m (90 feet) but crashed, the noise and resulting grass fire creating a public sensation. The publicity led to Goddard's rocket work coming to the attention of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Thanks to his intervention, Goddard would be supported in the 1930s by the Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics.
The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fund gave this motor to the Smithsonian.
Credit Line
Gift of the Daniel & Florence Guggenheim Foundation
Date
1929
Inventory Number
A19850178000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Materials
Copper alloy, steel/ferrous alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 12 1/2 in. wide x 28 1/2 in. long x 5 in. diameter (31.75 x 72.39 x 12.7cm)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19850178000