Home > North America > United States of America > Massachusetts > Worcester
Rocket, Liquid Fuel, Hoopskirt, R. H. Goddard, 1928. Creator: Robert Goddard
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Rocket, Liquid Fuel, Hoopskirt, R. H. Goddard, 1928. Creator: Robert Goddard
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 Goddards 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
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 23872223
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Air And Space Museum Armaments Craft Missiles Rockets Dr Robert H Goddard Goddard Robert Goddard Robert H Missile Nasm National Air And Space Museum Robert Goddard Robert H Goddard Robert Hutchings Goddard Rocket Space Spacecraft
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> North America
> United States of America
> Massachusetts
> Related Images
> North America
> United States of America
> Massachusetts
> Worcester
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Space Rockets
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of space exploration. Taken in 1928 by American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard, it showcases his groundbreaking creation known as the Hoopskirt rocket. The name derives from its resemblance to a ladies' hoopskirt, a fashion trend popular in the late 19th century. Goddard's primary objective was not to build a streamlined vehicle but rather to test the functionality of his rocket motor while keeping it as lightweight as possible. After an unsuccessful attempt on July 18,1928, where the rocket got stuck in the launch tower, he finally achieved success on December 26th of that same year. On its fourth try, the Hoopskirt soared into the sky for an impressive duration of 3.2 seconds and covered a distance of approximately 204.5 feet (62 meters). This flight marked Goddard's third successful liquid-fuel rocket launch since his initial one on March 16,1926. The donated reconstruction of this fragile structure now resides at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum since Mrs. Robert H. Goddard generously contributed it in 1959. This image serves as a testament to Dr. Robert H. Goddard's pioneering contributions to space technology and highlights his relentless pursuit towards unlocking mankind's potential beyond Earth's boundaries.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
