Robert Hutchings Goddaed's Story
American scientist and inventor Robert Hutchings Goddard is best recognized for developing the first rocket and space flight technologies. In Worcester, Massachusetts, he was born in 1882 as the youngest of five kids.
Goddard was a bright, inquisitive young man who was enamored with the concept of space travel. He read extensively about science and technology while creating his own model rockets during his formative years.
Goddard attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute after completing his high school studies, and he eventually earned a Ph.D. in physics from Clark University. When he was promoted to professor of physics, he started working on creating a brand-new rocket that could travel to space.
Goddard overcame many obstacles and setbacks in his work, but he never wavered in his resolve and continued to develop his rocket ideas. His successful launch of the first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926 marked a significant turning point in the field's development.
Goddard is frequently referred to as the "father of modern rocketry" because of how many of the rocket technologies we use today have their roots in his work. In addition to making numerous significant contributions to the science of space exploration, he served as an inspiration for many other scientists and engineers to work in this fascinating and fast developing area.
Despite Robert Hutchings Goddard's passing in 1945, his significant contributions to rocketry and space exploration continue to this day. The world has been changed forever by his creative thinking and commitment to pushing the envelope of what was supposed to be possible.
How does a rocket fly?
A rocket is a particular vehicle that can go into space. Rockets fly using thrust, a force that propels them.
A rocket engine burns fuel to produce hot gases. Hot gases escape the rocket's back when fuel burns.
Hot gases propelled out of the rocket's back push it in the other direction. This is like letting a balloon go. Air escaping the balloon pushes it in the other direction.
Rockets fly because of this thrust. A rocket's flight can be controlled by changing its thrust, fuel consumption, and body form and orientation.