Typical amateur rocket of the early Space Age before commercial, safe model kits were widely available. This specimen, that carried a small still camera and some specially printed envelopes for collectors, was attempted to be flown by the donor, Richard Koszarski, from Fort Pickett, Virginia, in 1965 in a U.S. Army sponsored and supervised amateur rocket shoot.
The Army was trying to encourage youngsters to learn as much science as they could in these activities and to promote safety through classroom instruction and adult-supervised experimentation. However, the rocket, named "Titanic," was designed to fly up to 5,000 feet but "fizzled" on the launch pad due to an igniter problem. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1979 by Richard Kozarski.
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
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Richard Koszarski
Dimensions
3-D (Rocket, Solid Fuel, Amateur): 209.5 × 52.1 × 49.5cm, 35.4kg (6 ft. 10 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 8 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 7 1/2 in., 78lb.)
3-D (Aluminum Pallet Storage): 224.8 × 91.4 × 74.9cm, 75.3kg (7 ft. 4 1/2 in. × 3 ft. × 2 ft. 5 1/2 in., 166lb.)
Materials
Ferrous Alloy
Paint
Inventory Number
A19790072000
Credit Line
Gift of Richard Kozarski
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.