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This is a tapered nozzle used as a propellant flow regulator by U.S. rocket pioneer Robert H. Goddard in a test in June 1926, about three months after he had made his historic flight of the world's first liquid propellant rocket on 16 March 1926 . Its purpose was to smooth pulses in the propellant flow and thereby regulate the pressure for constant output pressure in the operation of a rocket motor.

Friction still caused difficulty and he therefore tried other flow regulators. This regulator was therefore experimental and was not used in flight rockets. It was constructed and tested while Goddard was at Worcester, Massachusetts. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1959 by Esther C. Goddard.

 Display Status

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

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Date 1926 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Accessories (to an Engine) Manufacturer Dr. Robert H. Goddard
 Dimensions Overall: 8 1/2 in. long x 1 in. diameter (21.59 x 2.54cm)
 Materials Tube, partly steel; steel tip; steel conical head; spring inside, probably steel; rubber washer
 Inventory Number A19590076000 Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Robert H. Goddard Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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