Inventor: Robert Goddard

• Invented in 1926 by Robert Goddard
• Precursor to modern rocketry

On March 16, 1926, Robert Goddard successfully launched the first liquid-fueled rocket. Liquid fuel was not only significantly more powerful than traditional powder explosives, it also allowed for rocket engines that produced variable thrust. Three years later he launched the first scientific payload, a barometer and a camera, which opened up the altitudes of the atmosphere and space for exploration.

The use of rockets was quickly brought to the attention of the military. In 1942, the United States Air Force developed air-to-air rockets and air-to-surface rockets for use on their airplanes. Germany was quick to follow with prototypes of an intercontinental ballistic missile that was designed to strike the US. After the was, the United States space program was started with some captured version of these missiles, leading to the Space Race and man’s eventual landing on the moon.

Picture from Encarta Encyclopedia

SOURCES:

Bellis, M. (2003). Inventors from About.com. Available March 27, 2003, from About, Inc. <http://inventors.about.com/>

• This site gave good information about Goddard and the first rockets.