MODERN ROCKET PROPULSION While early rockets were unruly and used almost exclusively for military purposes, 20th century scientists developed new theories, processes, and uses. The father of modern rocket propulsion is the American, Dr. Robert Goddard. Inspired by science fiction writers like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, Goddard began designing rockets to probe the upper atmosphere and delve into space during the early 1900s. Half a world away – and unknown to Goddard – Russian schoolteacher, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, was thinking along much the same lines. 11 of 32
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