This is the Viking 12, the last of a series of U.S. large-scale, liquid-propellant sounding rockets designed specifically to replace the diminishing numbers of captured V-2 rockets used for upper-atmospheric research after World War II. Viking's 20,000-pound thrust, XLR-10 liquid-propellant rocket engine was developed by Reaction Motors, Incorported. The rocket first flew in 1949.
Viking rockets differed in their configurations and payload capabilities. Viking No. 12, launched from White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico in 1955, reached a height of 144 miles. The Viking 12 shown here was reconstructed from parts recovered from the original rocket. The reconstructed Viking 12 was donated in 1976 to the Smithsonian by the Martin Marietta Corp.
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
1955
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Martin Marietta Corp.
Dimensions
Overall: 42 ft. 15/16 in. tall x 3 ft. 9 in. diameter x 12 ft. wing span, 2022 lb. (1282.54 x 114.3 x 365.76cm, 917.2kg)
Materials
Aluminum body and other metals
Alternate Name
Viking Sounding Rocket
Inventory Number
A19760843000
Credit Line
Martin Marietta Corp.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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