FIRST STEPS TOWARD SPACE - Smithsonian Institution Libraries

NUMBER 10
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FIGURE 5.—a, Setting the propellant valves of ARS No. 2 rocket just
prior to test at Marine Park on 14 May 1933. From left, Laurence
Manning, Carl Ahrens, Bernard Smith (who designed and built the
rocket), G. Edward Pendray, Alfred Best, and Alfred Africano—all
members of the Experimental Committee. The rocket stands in its
launching tower, complete except for a nose cone which was slipped
over the valve assembly just before the shot. It had no parachute or
other landing equipment. The launcher was aimed with a five-degree
tilt to seaward, where rocket was expected to land.
b, The take-off of rocket shown in 5a. It was about 6 feet tall and
weighed about 15 pounds loaded and ready for the shot. Propellants
used were gasoline and liquid oxygen pressured by nitrogen drawn
from the pressure cylinder standing to the right of the launcher. At
the end of the countdown, when the ignition apparatus failed to work,
Smith ran out and ignited it with a gasoline torch. Here, he is returning
to the barricade. The rocket is already in the air. Note crude
barricades for protection of participants and spectators.
c, Post-mortem on flight shown in 5b. From left, Max Kraus, secretary
of the Society; Pendray (behind rocket) and Smith.
Photos from Pendray Collection, Princeton University Library.
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