This is probably the earliest extant gyroscopic test device for a liquid-fuel rocket. A gyrostat is a means of testing or simulating gyroscopic control. American rocket pioneer Robert Goddard's bicycle gyrostat was a stationary device to test the gyro principle and was evidently operated (made to revolve) with a crude form of rocket or air-breathing reaction motor. According to his diary of for 5 January 1929, he: "…planned on bicycle-wheel gyrostat in afternoon...." On 7 January he: "got bicycle wheel and piping and sawed four notches in bicycle wheel, in afternoon.…" Instead of a flywheel he used a wooden bicycle wheel. He experimented with it from January to at least February 1929 as part of his attempt to develop gyroscopic control for his latest rocket, which was launched in summer 1929
This artifact was found in the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, but was likely transferred to the Smithsonian in 1950 or 1959 by the Guggenheim Foundation or Mrs. Goddard.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
1929
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Test
Manufacturer
Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Dimensions
3-D (As Photographed): 134.6 x 139.7 x 16.5cm (53 x 55 x 6 1/2 in.)
Storage: 143.51 x 20.96 x 135.89cm (4ft 8 1/2in. x 8 1/4in. x 4ft 5 1/2in.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Asbestos
Wood, Steel, Copper, Rubber (Silicone), Ceramic Plate, Natural Fabric, Varnish, Paint, Fabric
Inventory Number
A19800429000
Credit Line
Found in collections. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.