Dawn of the Space Age
Date: 16 Mar 1926

On 16 Mar. 1926, Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Mass., laying the foundation for rocket technology.

In this image, Goddard stands next to the rocket before launch as it stood in the frame from which it was fired. Although the rocket flew for only 2.5 seconds, it climbed 41 feet and landed 184 feet away.

From 1930 to 1941, Goddard made substantial progress in the development of progressively larger rockets, which attained altitudes of 2,400 m, or about 1.5 miles, and refined his equipment for guidance and control, his techniques of welding, and his insulation, pumps and other associated equipment.

Credit: NASA