Photographed is a model of early rocketry, the Atlas Mercury.

Photographed are models of early rocketry: The Atlas Mercury, Atlas Centaur, and Atlas Agena.

Photographed are models of early rocketry: The Atlas Mercury, Redstone Mercury; and Saturn C-1.

In addition to Dr. Robert Goddard's pioneering work, American experimentation in rocketry prior to World War II grew, primarily in technical societies. This is an early rocket motor designed and developed by the American Rocket Society in 1932.