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Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rocketry Innovation

3/17/2026

43 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Robert H. Goddard, an American rocket pioneer, launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket on March 16, 1926, from a farm in Auburn, Massachusetts.
The rocket flew 2.5 seconds and reached 41 feet.
Goddard's use of liquid propellant—gasoline and liquid oxygen—launched modern rocketry.
As the centennial of the launch approaches, NASA prepares the Artemis II mission to circle the moon, continuing Goddard's legacy.

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Story summary

Robert H. Goddard, an American rocket pioneer, launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket on March 16, 1926, from a farm in Auburn, Massachusetts.
The rocket flew 2.5 seconds and reached 41 feet.
Goddard's use of liquid propellant—gasoline and liquid oxygen—launched modern rocketry.
As the centennial of the launch approaches, NASA prepares the Artemis II mission to circle the moon, continuing Goddard's legacy.