Was this rocket built upside down?

Robert Goddard’s hoop skirt rocket was a first step in modern rocket, but why does it look so weird? In this video On Air hosts Marty and Beth, along with the help of Adam Savage, explore the different parts of this rocket and help you understand why it looks upside down.  

Vocabulary  
Thrust: The force that makes something move forward

Classroom Activity  
Try our Mad Libs for some classroom fun!

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Created:

February 10, 2026

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Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

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Smithsonian Institution

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