Goddard Rocket Launching Site

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Goddard Rocket Launching Site
(U.S. National Historic Landmark)
Robert H. Goddard's first rocket at the launch site
Robert H. Goddard's first rocket at the launch site
Nearest city: Auburn, Massachusetts
Coordinates: 42°13′6″N 71°48′46″W / 42.21833, -71.81278Coordinates: 42°13′6″N 71°48′46″W / 42.21833, -71.81278
Built/Founded: 1926
Designated as NHL: November 13, 1966[1]
Added to NRHP: November 13, 1966[2]
NRHP Reference#: 66000654
Governing body: Private

The Goddard Rocket Launching Site is a National Historic Landmark commemorating the launch site of the world's first successful liquid-fueled rocket. It is located at 20 Upland Street, Auburn, Massachusetts, within the Pakachoag Golf Course. The actual launch site is indicated with two markers accessible to visitors while the golf course is open. It is located at the "9th Fairway, between Tee and Green," of Pakachoag Golf Course.[1]

Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched his historic rocket on March 16, 1926, from what was then the Asa Ward Farm. Its 10-foot cylinder reached an altitude of 41 feet, flew for two-and-a-half seconds, and fell to the ground 184 feet from the launching frame.

Goddard's final launch from Auburn, on July 17, 1929, was also a historic first. The 11-foot rocket carried an aneroid barometer, thermometer, and a camera triggered when the parachute opened. All three instruments operated successfully and were recovered.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966.[1][3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Goddard Rocket Launching Site. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved on 2008-03-15.
  2. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
  3. ^ Polly M. Rettig, Horace J. Sheely, and S. Sydney Bradford (may 19, 1975), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Goddard Rocket Launching SitePDF (32 KB), National Park Service  and Accompanying nine photos (of rockets, museum exhibits, and this site), from 1966, 1975 and undatedPDF (32 KB)

[edit] External link