Rocket, Liquid Fuel, R.H. Goddard 1935, A-Series

Object Details

Summary: This is probably the liquid-fuel rocket Robert H. Goddard tried to launch on September 23, 1935, at Roswell, New Mexico, in an attempt to demonstrate its capabilities to supporters Charles Lindbergh and Harry Guggenheim. The Guggenheim Foundation for the Promotion of Aeronautics funded Goddard's experiments in New Mexico.; A technical problem prevented the flight. But because earlier A-series rocket launches had succeeded, Lindbergh and Guggenheim felt Goddard was on the right track. Lindbergh thus persuaded Goddard to donate a complete A-series rocket to the Smithsonian, which he did in November 1935. This rocket became the first liquid-fuel rocket in the Smithsonian collections.
Alternate Name: Goddard 1935 A-Series Rocket

1935

Materials: Aluminum skin, thin gauge, along tail section from bottom of fins to bottom of mid-section. Aluminum skin also on parachute section and nosecone wholly of spun aluminum except for steel attachment screw. Steel skin (for greater strength and insulation) below nosecone, over mid-section (over propellant tanks), and around small section above fins. One steel tube or pipe on each side of rocket, along propellant section; one smaller diameter copper tube on one side. Steel nozzle and other interior components. Fabric parachute
Dimensions: Overall: 15 ft. 4 1/2 in. long x 1 ft. wide x 9 in. diameter x 1 ft. 9 1/2 in. span (468.63 x 30.48 x 22.86 x 54.61cm)

National Air and Space Museum

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9e8f08c10-2865-4144-9010-bc2b9e99de57