Robert Hutchings Goddard, born on October 5, 1882 in Worcester, Massachusetts, was a pioneering American inventor and engineer. His interest in science was sparked at a young age by his father, who encouraged his curiosity by providing him with a microscope, telescope, and a subscription to Scientific American.
Goddard attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. He went on to earn his PhD in physics from Clark University in 1911, where he conducted research on the properties of gases at high temperatures.
After completing his education, Goddard began working as a professor of physics at Clark University. It was during this time that he began to develop his ideas for rocketry and space exploration. In 1919, he published his groundbreaking monograph, "A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes," in which he outlined his theories on liquid-fueled rockets.
On March 16, 1926, Goddard made history when he successfully launched the world's first rocket fueled by liquid fuel. This groundbreaking achievement marked the beginning of modern rocketry and space exploration.
Despite his groundbreaking contributions to the field of rocket science, Goddard faced considerable skepticism and ridicule during his lifetime. Many of his contemporaries dismissed his ideas as outlandish and impractical. It was not until after his death that he began to be recognized as the founding father of modern rocketry.
During the Space Age, Goddard's work was finally acknowledged and celebrated for its profound impact on the field of aerospace engineering. His monograph, "A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes," is now considered a classic text in rocket science and remains essential reading for anyone interested in the history of space exploration.
In 1924, Goddard married Esther Christine Kisk, a secretary in the President's office at Clark University. Together, they shared a passion for science and exploration, and she supported his work throughout their marriage.
Goddard's interest in space was first sparked by reading H.G. Wells' novel "The War of the Worlds." Inspired by Wells' vision of interplanetary travel, Goddard dedicated his life to turning science fiction into reality.
Robert Hutchings Goddard passed away on August 10, 1945, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and discovery that continues to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.