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These are parts from the liquid-fuel rocket, L-series, 1938, of the American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard. It was the last of the L-Series of liquid fuel rockets developed by Goddard. Launched it on 9 August 1938, at Roswell, New Mexico, it was also the last of his gas pressure (non-pump) rockets that flew successfully.

Two members of the N.A.A. (National Aeronautic Association) witnessed the launch and vouched for the altitude obtained by the rocket as recorded on an onboard barograph. The rocket lifted satisfactorily and was recovered by parachute. The official recorded altitude was 3,294 feet. In 1950, the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation donated the rocket to the Museum.

 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 1938 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts Manufacturer Dr. Robert H. Goddard
 Dimensions (1.), Length, overall, 23.25 inches; height, 16.75 inches;
(2.), Length, 25.5 inches; height, 5.75 inches;
(3.), Length, overall, 23 inches; width, 10 inches;
(4.), Length, overall, 22.75 inches; width, 10 inches;
(5.-7), Each piece, length, 17 inches; width, maximum , 8 6/16 inches; width, minimum, at bottom, 6 1/16 inches;
(8.), Length, 8.75 inches; width, 1 15/16 inches;
(9.), Width, 8.75 inches; height, 6.5 inches;
(10.), Length, 15 inches; width, 1 inch;
(11.-12. Length, each, 7.25 inches; width, maximum, 0.75 inches
13.-17.), Length, each, 7.25 inches; width, maximum, each, 0.75 inches;
(18.), Length, 25.25 inches; width, 12/16 inches;
(19.-27.), Length, three long tubes, 10.5 inches each; three 5 inches long; and three 6.5 inches long
28. Length, 3.75 inches; width, 1 inch; height, 0.75 iches
 Materials Materials as follows: (1), Aluminum with steel strip along entire border on one side
(2), Aluminum
(3), Aluminum
(4), Aluminum
(5-7), Unknown White Metal Alloy
(8), Aluminum
(9), Aluminum
(10), Unknown White Metal Alloy
(11-12), Aluminum
(13-17), Aluminum
(18), Rubber
(19-27), Aluminum
(28), Unknown White Metal Alloy
 Inventory Number A19500081001 Credit Line Gift of the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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