This valve was made by the American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945) to protect his liquid oxygen tanks from bursting due to too much pressure caused by evaporation of the very cold liquid. The valve dates to the 1930's when Goddard conducted his experiments at Roswell, New Mexico.
Mrs. Robert H. Goddard donated this object to the Smithsonian Institution in 1959 as part of a large collection of artifacts from her husband.
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
PROPULSION-Components (Engine Parts)
Manufacturer
Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Dimensions
3-D: 38.3 × 20.3 × 4.3cm (15 1/16 × 8 × 1 11/16 in.)
Materials
Steel, paint, adhesive, rubber, solder
Inventory Number
A19590078000
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Robert Goddard
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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