14 July - Robert Goddard was granted the first patent for liquid-fueled rocket design

 

On 14 July 1914, Robert Goddard was granted the first patent for liquid-fueled rocket design.

Robert H. Goddard was an American physicist and engineer who is often referred to as the "father of modern rocketry." He was born on October 5, 1882, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and passed away on August 10, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Goddard's interest in rocketry began at an early age, and he conducted extensive research and experimentation in the field throughout his life. In 1914, he received a patent for a solid-fuel rocket design, making him the first person to secure a patent for a rocket apparatus. Goddard's work was initially met with skepticism and ridicule, but he persisted in his efforts to advance the field of rocketry.

Goddard made significant contributions to the understanding of rocket propulsion and developed several important technologies and concepts. He conducted experiments with various types of rocket engines, including liquid-fueled rockets, which he considered more efficient and powerful than solid-fueled ones. His research laid the foundation for future developments in rocketry and space exploration.

Today, the Goddard Space Flight Center, operated by NASA, is named in his honor. The center conducts research and development in various fields of space science and exploration.

Robert H. Goddard's vision and innovations paved the way for the remarkable achievements in space exploration that followed, including the Moon landing and the ongoing exploration of our solar system. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and engineers in their quest for further advancements in rocketry and space travel.