[016] Inside sheet iron shelter at Clark University, first test of liquid propelled rocket lifting its own weight, December 6, 1925

Photographer

Esther C. Goddard

Preview

Description

Photograph inside the sheet iron shelter at Clark University's physics laboratory on December 6, 1925. The photograph shows the rocket which, on that day, "this was first test in which a liquid propelled rocket operated satisfactorily and lifted its own weigh (quote by Robert Goddard used as photograph annotation by Esther Goddard). This shelter allowed static tests to be conducted without filling the building with noise and smoke. In Goddard's words, "This test was an important one, in that it demonstrated that the problems of pumping, governing, and control of heating were solved, but it also showed that a rocket on so small a scale as this model would not lift itself sufficiently to give a flight, including, as it did, devices which would not be necessary in a larger rocket".

This December 6 test used the pumps, engines, and other moving parts Goddard spent years working with and developing. Following this test, he discarded the pumps, favoring a pressure-fed system in order to reduce the rocket's weight to a minimum.

It is important to note that many sources incorrectly claim that forgoing the pumps and engines is the breakthrough that made the December 6 lift possible, but this is untrue. Goddard writes in both his diary and subsequent reports about using pumps and engines in the December 6 test, as well as the realization that he would need to eliminate them in order to produce a light enough rocket to achieve the world's first successful liquid-fueled rocket launch, which took place on March 16, 1926.

'The Goddard Rocket Researches: A Photographic Record' is an annotated photo album covering Robert H. Goddard's work and experimentation with rocketry. It was assembled and curated by Esther Goddard sometime after her husband's passing in 1945. Additionally, almost all of the photographs were taken by Esther herself.

Photographs were scanned at 400dpi.

Date Taken

1925

Type

image

Genre

photograph

Format

jpg

Keywords

Robert Goddard, rocketry, Clark University, liquid-propellant rockets, liquid fuel rockets

Recommended Citation

Goddard, Esther C., "[016] Inside sheet iron shelter at Clark University, first test of liquid propelled rocket lifting its own weight, December 6, 1925" (1925). The Goddard Rocket Researches: A Photographic Record [Individual Photographs]. 15.
https://commons.clarku.edu/goddardphotographs/15

Rights

This image is the property of Clark University and is intended for non-commercial use. Images may be copied for research, teaching, personal, or any fair use as defined by U.S. copyright law. Images may not be altered in any way. Users of these images are asked to acknowledge Clark University. For questions or further information about usage rights, please contact archives@clarku.edu