Physics Research Assignment 1. Analyse the contribution of Robert Goddard to the development of rockets, missiles and space exploration. Robert Hutchings Goddard was an American professor, physicist, and inventor who has been credited the invention of the world's first liquid-fuelled rocket, which he successfully launched on March 16, 1926. • Explored the practicality of using rocket propulsion to reach high altitudes, even the moon (1912) • Proved that a rocket will work in a vacuum (it needs no air to push against) • Developed and fired a liquid fuel rocket (March 16, 1926) • Shot a scientific payload in a rocket flight (1929) • Used vanes in the rocket motor blast for guidance (1932, New Mexico) • Developed gyro control apparatus for rocket flight (1932, New Mexico) • Received U.S. patent for a multi-stage rocket (1914) • Developed pumps suitable for rocket fuels • Launched a rocket with a motor pivoted on gimbals under the influence of a gyro mechanism (1937) …show more content…
A newspaper famously stated “Moon rocket misses target by 238,799 ½ miles.” Now known as the father of modern rocketry, Goddard's significant achievements in rocket propulsion have contributed immensely to the scientific exploration of space. Goddard didn't live to see the age of space flight, but his foundation of rocket research became the fundamental principles of rocket propulsion. The ability to control the rocket was one of Goddard’s main goals and his inventions of gyro control and vanes allowed him to control his rockets. This is extremely important as when in space, it is necessary to direct the rocket to the desired