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The American Rocket Company (AMROC) was established in 1985 by George Koopman with the goal of developing space exploration with hybrid rocket technology. Promoting the safety and economical aspects of hybrid motors, AMROC developed several hybrid rocket motors through various partnerships and programs. AMROC's first proposed launch, with Single Engine Test-1 (SET-1), was postponed numerous times and the eventual attempt was not successful. AMROC was eventually crushed by a combination of hardships, including financial difficulties and the sudden death of Koopman due to a car accident. Without Koopman's motivation and leadership AMROC slowly deteriorated. The company did, however, play a key role in the development of hybrid rocket motors. The innovative technology AMROC used is still being used in the development of hybrid rocket technology.

 Identifier

NASM.2006.0047

Creator

American Rocket Company (AMROC)

Date

bulk 1987-1995

Provenance

Scott Sacknoff, Gift, 2006

Extent

2.18 Cubic feet ((2 box))

Archival Repository

National Air and Space Museum Archives

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of AMROC's business records. Included here is information on AMROC's various hybrid rocket motor programs and models, including Aquila, Hybrid Engine Analysis and Technology (HEAT), and SET-1, as well as general information relating to hybrid rocket technology. The types of materials present here include: correspondence, articles, press releases, presentations, analyses, reports, programs, agreements, and financial data.

Rights

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

Restrictions

No restrictions on access.

Citation

American Rocket Company (AMROC) Records, 2006-0047, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Topics

Rocketry

Astronautics

Rocket engines

AMRCO Single Engine Test-1 (SET-1)

AMROC Aquila

AMROC Hybrid Engine Analysis Technology (HEAT)

Periodicals

Type

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Technical manuals

Correspondence

Photographs

Financial records