Goddard’s Rocket to Project Mercury

Posts related to the time between Goddard’s first liquid fueled rocket (1925) and the first American in space (May 1961.)

Closeup of a sleeping Kuiper's teeth and nose.

Peace in Space, Goodwill to Dog

Kuiper's cousin in midair. He is fully extended and reaching for a toy.

Reaching Extreme Altitudes

Kuiper skids to a halt in the sand, running towards the camera.

Radioing the Moon

Kuiper poses with the historic launch console.

Kuiper poses with a document. It reads "OPERATION PAPERCLIP" and has a very large paperclip.

Operation Paperclip

Kuiper poses with a bust of Wernher Von Braun.

Wernher von Braun

Kuiper with V2 engine at Stafford Air and Space.

Kuiper with crumbs on his face from a mostly eaten cake.

Vanguard 1 satellite

Closeup portrait of Kuiper at the LPL.

Kuiper visits…Kuiper?

Kuiper devours a bagel.