With an ogive nosecone and attachment screw on the tip, a long, cylindrical shape with aluminum and steel skin, and tail fins extending below propellant tanks, you may not be surprised that this liquid-fuel flying object was first launched in Roswell, New Mexico. However, no flying saucers were involved. Robert H. Goddard tested this A-series rocket at the now-legendary site for Charles Lindbergh and Harry Guggenheim back in 1935. The aliens would crash there 12 years later.

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA

10.06.20