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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