Robert Goddard Launches the World’s First Liquid-Fuel Rocket
After working to develop solid-fuel rockets for the U.S. Army in World War I, Goddard switched to liquid fuels, which had the energy needed to reach space. He quickly settled on liquid oxygen and gasoline as the most convenient propellant combination.
In 1926 he was finally ready to launch his liquid-fuel rocket. On March 16 at a farm outside Worcester, it took off on a 2.5-second flight, reached an altitude of 41 feet, and covered a distance of 184 feet. It was the first liquid-fuel rocket launch in history.
Event Date:
Tuesday, March 16, 1926
Image Reference:
The Launching of the "Hoopskirt" Rocket
Full Size Image Reference:
The Launching of the "Hoopskirt" Rocket
Carousel Image Reference:
The Launching of the "Hoopskirt" Rocket
Sub Category:
Rocketry
People Connections:
Robert Hutchings Goddard
Technology & Innovation Connections:
Rockets and the Dream of Spaceflight
Rocket Connections:
Goddard’s “Hoopskirt” Rocket
Event Year:
1 926
Event Tier:
