National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Past Exhibition
American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the Hoopskirt rocket on December 26, 1928, near Worcester, Massachusetts. It was so-named because it resembled a hoopskirt, a ladies’ fashion of the late 19th century. Goddard made no effort to build the rocket as a streamlined vehicle. He only wanted to test the operation of his rocket motor and make the vehicle as light as possible.
Goddard attempted to launch it on 18 July 1928, but the rocket jammed in the launch tower. Finally on 26 December 1928, on the fourth try, the Hoopskirt cleared the tower and flew for 3.2 seconds, covering a distance of 204.5 feet (62 m). It was Goddard's third liquid-fuel rocket flight. His first was on 16 March 1926. The rocket was donated to the Smithsonian by Mrs. Robert H. Goddard in 1959 and is a reconstruction, as the flimsy structure was smashed by the flight.
Display Status
This object is on display in Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
Early Liquid-Fuel Rocket
Brief Description
American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the Hoopskirt rocket on December 26, 1928, near Worcester, Massachusetts. It was Goddard's third liquid-fuel rocket flight. The design resembles a hoopskirt, a ladies’ fashion of the late 19th century.
Date
1928
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Dimensions
3-D: 121.9 × 121.9 × 447cm, 13.2kg (4 ft. × 4 ft. × 14 ft. 8 in., 29lb.)
Materials
Steel and aluminum
Alternate Name
Goddard Hoopskirt Rocket
Inventory Number
A19590090000
Credit Line
Mrs. Robert H. Goddard
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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