Goddard Rocket Launching Site facts for kids
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Goddard Rocket Launching Site
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Robert H. Goddard's first rocket at the launch site
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Auburn, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1926 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000654 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 13, 1966 |
The Goddard Rocket Launching Site is a very special place in Auburn, Massachusetts. It's where the world's first successful liquid-fueled rocket was launched! This site is now a National Historic Landmark, which means it's an important historical spot. You can find it at 20 Upland Street, inside the Pakachoag Golf Course.
There are two markers at the golf course that show where the launch happened. One marker, a tall stone pillar called an obelisk, is near the 9th Fairway. It can be a bit tricky to reach because it's on a golf course. A good tip is to walk along the rock wall between the 1st and 9th fairways. The second marker is a rectangular sign located near Upland Street, in the northwest part of the golf course.
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The First Liquid-Fueled Rocket
Dr. Robert H. Goddard was an amazing scientist. He launched his famous rocket on March 16, 1926. This happened on what was then called the Asa Ward Farm.
This rocket was about 10-foot (3.0 m) tall. It flew for only two-and-a-half seconds! The rocket reached a height of 41 feet (12 m). Then it landed about 184 feet (56 m) away from its launch spot. This was a huge step forward for space travel!
More Rocket Firsts
Dr. Goddard kept working on his rockets. His last launch from Auburn was on July 17, 1929. This launch was also very important.
This rocket was 11-foot (3.4 m) long. It carried special tools for the first time. These tools included an aneroid barometer (which measures air pressure), a thermometer (which measures temperature), and a camera. The camera took pictures when a parachute opened. All these tools worked perfectly and were found after the flight.
This rocket flew for 18.5 seconds. It reached a height of 90 feet (27 m). It traveled a distance of 171 feet (52 m).
A National Historic Landmark
Because of its importance in rocket history, the Goddard Rocket Launching Site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1966. This helps protect the site and remember Dr. Goddard's amazing work.
Images for kids
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Monument reads: Site of launching of world's first liquid propellant rocket by Dr. Robert H. Goddard 16 March 1926 - located on the Pakachoag Golf Course in Auburn, MA
