The Chronological History of the Scientific Accomplishments of Robert H.Goddard

1912

First explored mathematically the practicality of using rocket power to reach high altitudes and escape velocity

1915

First proved experimentally that a rocket will provide thrust in a vacuum

1917-1918

Developed the basis for the rocket weapon, The Bazooka, done for U.S. Army Signal Corps and Ordinance Department, in the Magnetic Lab (now Skull Tomb) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, at Clark University, and later at the Mount Wilson Obsevatory in California.

1919

Published "A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes,"in Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vol.71, No. 2, a basic mathematical theory underlying rocket propulsion

1920-1925

First to develop a rocket motor using liquid propellants

1925

Liquid-propellant rocket lifted its own weight for first time

1926, March 16

First to develop and luanch a liquid-propellant rocket, at Auburn, Mass.

1929, July 17

Tested first rocket containing instruments in Auburn, Mass.

1932

First developed gyro stabilization apparatus for rockets

1932

Used deflector vanes in the blast of the rocket motor as a method of stabilizing and guiding rockets

1934-1942

"A" series rocket tests (14-test series; rockets at this stage were about 15feet long)

1935, March 8

First to launch a liquid propellant rocket which attained a speed greater than that of sound (700 m.p.h.)

1935

Rocket reached altitude of 7500 feet

1936, March 16

Publication of "Liquid Propellant Rocket Development," Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Vol. 95, No. 3

1936-1938

"L" series rocket tests (30-test series; rockets were about 18 feet long)

1937

Rocket reached height of 9000 feet

1938-1941

"P" series rocket tests (This 36-test series represents his last flight rockets. Rockets averaged about 22 feet in length)

Maintained by lib-webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: Jun 24, 2003, 15:18 EDT