Robert Goddard (scientist)

Robert Hutchings Goddard (October 5, 1882 – August 10, 1945) was one of the pioneers of modern rocketry. Though his work in the field was revolutionary, he was often ridiculed for his theories, which were ahead of their time. He received little recognition during his own lifetime, but would eventually come to be called the "father of modern rocketry" for his life's work.

Early life and inspiration

Goddard was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He became interested in space when he read H.G. Wells's science fiction classic The War of the Worlds when he was 16 years old. His dedication to pursuing rocketry became fixed on October 19, 1899. While climbing a cherry tree to cut off dead limbs, he imagined, as he later wrote, "how wonderful it would be to make some device which had even the possibility of ascending to Mars, and how it would look on a small scale, if sent up from the meadow at my feet." http://www.tylerlee.org/robertgoddard.htm For the rest of his life he observed October 19 as "Anniversary Day", a private holiday.

Related Topics:
Worcester, Massachusetts - H.G. Wells - The War of the Worlds - October 19 - 1899

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