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This is a replica of the world's first liquid-fuel rocket flown by Robert H. Goddard on March 16, 1926 at Auburn, Mass. The rocket, propelled by liquid oxygen and gasoline, went up to an altitude of 41 feet (12.5 m) in 2.5 seconds and landed 184 feet (56 m) away. The replica was made by Atkins & Merrill of Sudbury, Mass., based upon original photos. No blueprints of the original rocket were found.

Goddard began experimenting with rockets from 1915 as means of exploring the upper atmosphere and eventually space. He started with solid propellants, but in 1921 switched to liquids because they contained more energy and were also controllable. NASA donated the replica to the Smithsonian in 1976

Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

MODELS-Missiles & Rockets

Manufacturer

Atkins & Merril

Dimensions

Overall: 1 ft. 2 in. wide x 10 ft. 8 3/4 in. long x 5 1/2 in. diameter, 6 lb. (35.56 x 327.03 x 13.97cm, 2.7kg); Other (Launch Frame): 7 ft. 11 in. tall x 4 ft. wide x 5 ft. 5 in. long (241.3 x 121.92 x 165.1cm)

Materials

aluminum, steel, asbestos-impregnated cloth

Inventory Number

A19761803000

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.