the first rocket reached space on april 12, 1961.
when did the first rocket reach space?
april 12, 1961
the first rocket to reach space was a german v-2 rocket, on a vertical test flight in june 1944. after the war ended, the research and development branch of the (british) ordinance office organised "operation backfire" which, in october 1945, assembled enough v-2 missiles and supporting components to enable the launch of three (possibly four, depending on source consulted) of them from a site near cuxhaven in northern germany. although these launches were inclined and the rockets didn't achieve the altitude necessary to be regarded as sub-orbital spaceflight, the backfire report remains the most extensive technical documentation of the rocket, including all support procedures, tailored vehicles and fuel composition.
history of spaceflight
robert hutchings goddard (october 5, 1882 – august 10, 1945) is widely recognized as the "father of rocketry," as he pioneered the modern propulsion rocket based on his knowledge of math, engineering and physics. his accomplishments included creating the first rocket propelled using liquid fuel and developing the first rocket to use internal vanes for guidance. he launched his first rocket in march 1926. goddard continued to achieve many firsts in the field of rocketry with funding from institutions such as the smithsonian. in 1919, the smithsonian institution published robert goddard's groundbreaking work, a method of reaching extreme altitudes. other than from sources like the smithsonian, goddard received little public support for his research during his lifetime. he was the first to recognize the scientific potential of liquid fuel rockets in space travel and was instrumental in bringing about the design and construction of those rockets needed to implement those ideas.
u.s. space exploration history on u.s. stamps