#164 Robert Goddard Rocket Man

In "Rocketman: Robert H. Goddard and the Birth of the Space Age," David A. Clary chronicles the life of Dr. Robert H. Goddard, a physicist and inventor who pioneered modern rocketry. Despite skepticism and limited funding, Goddard's relentless pursuit, ingenuity, and technical achievements laid the foundation for space exploration. His work inspired titans like Jeff Bezos, whose company Blue Origin named its first rocket after Goddard. With Charles Lindbergh's advocacy and the Guggenheim family's financial support, Goddard's innovations included the first liquid-fueled rocket and contributions to multistage and guidance systems. Though he died before witnessing the full impact of his work, Goddard's legacy endures in every rocket launch, embodying the vision and tenacity that propel humanity's celestial ambitions.

• Frank Browning was killed by a V2 missile in London, marking the beginning of Nazi Germany's V2 campaign.
• V2 missiles were advanced, powered by liquid fuel rockets, and guided by gyroscopes and tail fins.
• National Geographic Society reported that the V2 design was stolen from American physicist Dr. Robert H. Goddard.
• Goddard's patents from 1914 to 1932 contained features similar to the V2.
• The narrative contrasted "strutting Nazis" with the "modest American inventor" Goddard.

"So began Nazi Germany's V2 campaign, a barrage of stratospheric ballistic missiles bearing one ton bombs they dropped without warning."

This quote highlights the beginning of the V2 campaign and its destructive impact, emphasizing the advanced technology used by Nazi Germany.

"The answer was not long in coming. On January 19, 1945, the new service of the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC, told the world that the fiendish Germans had stolen the whole idea from an American."

The quote reveals the claim that Nazi Germany's V2 technology was based on the work of an American inventor, Dr. Robert H. Goddard, suggesting intellectual theft.

• Goddard was credited with inventing nearly everything related to rocketry and the real inventor of the V2.
• Supported by Charles Lindbergh, Goddard's work was recognized posthumously.
• Lindbergh's involvement led to a push for the U.S. government to embrace rocket technology.
• Lindbergh sought justice for Goddard, highlighting American contributions to missile systems.

"Goddard himself did not. Dying the following August. His obituaries credited him with inventing nearly everything to do with rocketry and with being the real inventor of the V2."

This quote emphasizes Goddard's significant contributions to rocketry and his posthumous recognition as the inventor of the V2 missile technology.

• Jeff Bezos admired Goddard and named Blue Origin's first rocket after him.
• Goddard's 1919 paper on reaching the moon inspired Bezos's vision for Blue Origin.
• Goddard faced ridicule but remained committed to his vision, similar to Bezos's approach with Blue Origin.
• Bezos aims to build space infrastructure for future entrepreneurs, echoing Goddard's long-term vision.

"Goddard responded by saying that every vision is a joke until the first man accomplishes it. Once realized, it becomes commonplace."

The quote reflects Goddard's belief in the potential of seemingly impossible visions, a sentiment shared by Jeff Bezos regarding space exploration.

• Goddard's father was a technological enthusiast, influencing his son's interest in science.
• Despite health challenges and setbacks, Goddard showed persistence and intellectual curiosity.
• His early experiments and desire for knowledge led him to pursue formal education in physics and mathematics.

"I was a different boy when I descended the tree from when I ascended for existence at last. Seemed very purposeful."

Goddard's quote describes a pivotal moment in his childhood that defined his life's purpose, igniting his passion for rocketry and space exploration.

• Goddard's high school speech emphasized the potential of individuals to achieve greatness through effort.
• Historical figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Jeff Bezos also recognized the need for acquiring knowledge to realize their visions.
• Goddard's determination and refusal to quit are hallmarks of his character and success.

"Just as in the sciences, we have learned that we are too ignorant safely to pronounce anything impossible. So for the individual, since we cannot know just what are his limitations, we can hardly say with certainty that anything is necessarily within or beyond his grasp."

This quote from Goddard's high school speech underscores the theme of human potential and the refusal to accept limitations, reflecting his optimistic view of technological progress.

• The subject experienced ups and downs in mental health during high school.
• After an optimistic high school speech, the subject faced uncertainty and self-doubt.
• The subject destroyed his notes, considering them immature, during a period of discouragement.

"Shortly after so optimistically lecturing his classmates, he found himself wallowing in uncertainty and discouraged by his lack of accomplishment. In that mood, he incinerated his accumulated notes."

This quote highlights the subject's drastic shift from optimism to self-doubt, leading to the destruction of his work.

• Two teachers significantly influenced the subject's path: Wilmer Duff in physics and Professor Combs in English.
• The subject developed a routine of school or work during the day and recording ideas in the evening.
• The subject acknowledged periods of laziness and shifting interests in his youth.

"Two teachers had a special influence on him. One was the head of the physics program, Wilmer Duff... The other was an English professor... who taught the young Goddard how to express the ideas rolling through his mind."

The quote emphasizes the pivotal role these two teachers played in shaping the subject's academic and communicative skills.

• The subject's diary included aphorisms reflecting his belief in the power of the mind and the importance of time management.
• He held a conviction that anything not prohibited by law was eventually possible.

"Anything is possible with the man who makes the best use of every minute of his time."

This aphorism captures the subject's philosophy on the potential of individuals who effectively manage their time.

• The subject initially doubted the feasibility of space navigation.
• He faced a series of intellectual challenges, including speculating, questioning, and doubting before reaching new insights.
• The subject concluded that rockets could be used to reach outer space, a realization that came after years of contemplation and research.

"He had reached a preliminary conclusion that it would be possible to get an object from Earth into outer space. And the way to do that would be by using rockets."

The quote outlines the subject's early conclusion on the potential of rocketry for space exploration.

• The subject was unaware of parallel developments in rocket science by other pioneers like the Russian physicist Constantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky.
• Tsiolkovsky independently developed theories on rocketry, including the use of liquid hydrogen and oxygen for propulsion.

"Before reaching space by rocket could be proved feasible, rigorous mathematics had to address the problem that Goddard recognized was the major challenge facing him in 1909."

This quote underscores the complex mathematical challenges that the subject and others faced in proving the feasibility of space travel via rockets.

• The subject's mother contracted tuberculosis, and he too showed symptoms, leading doctors to give him a grim prognosis.
• Rejecting conventional medical wisdom, the subject devised his own regimen to combat his illness, which included deep breathing in cold air.

"He engineered his own regimen, devised experiments in deep breathing, and spent most of his time on his parents' veranda."

The quote demonstrates the subject's inclination to think independently and take unorthodox approaches to problem-solving, even regarding his health.

• The subject was motivated by the idea of ensuring the survival of the human race, similar to modern figures like Elon Musk.
• He rationalized space exploration as a necessary step for the continuation of humanity, influenced by predictions about the moon's potential collision with Earth.

"From an economic point of view, the navigation of interplanetary space must be affected to ensure the continuance of the race."

This quote reveals the subject's pragmatic approach to space exploration, viewing it as essential for human survival.

• The subject recognized the need to concentrate on the fundamental problem of achieving space travel before addressing subsequent challenges.
• He determined that establishing the feasibility of rockets reaching space was the most critical step.

"It was fruitless to talk about roaming space until he figured out how to get there. For the first time, he had placed first things first."

The quote signifies the subject's epiphany that foundational issues must be addressed before exploring broader implications and possibilities.

• The subject balanced his passion for rocketry with his job as a physics instructor.
• Financial constraints often hindered his research, contrasting with modern entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos who can self-fund their projects.

"For most of his life, he is a part-time rocketeer."

This succinct statement captures the subject's struggle to pursue his passion while maintaining a career to support himself financially.

• The subject's personality was described as mild and introspective, with an underlying drive to make the most of his life.
• Despite health challenges and a relatively short life, he remained dedicated to his work and the pursuit of knowledge.

"It's appalling how short life is and how much there is to do. We have to be sports, take chances, and do what we can."

The quote reflects the subject's awareness of life's brevity and his determination to achieve as much as possible despite the limitations.

• Robert Goddard was deeply engrossed in his studies and considered slightly mad for his ideas on rocketry.
• He was friendly and courteous, taking an interest in others' university experiences despite his busy schedule.
• Goddard exhibited patience and calmness, handling success and failure with an even temperament.
• He possessed a sense of humor and youthful elation over small incidents.

"He was always in a hurry. He worked hard at whatever he was doing. For instance, I never saw him walk slowly. On the other hand, I did not perceive any sign of impatience." This quote reflects Goddard's dedication and work ethic, showing his constant drive and his ability to remain patient despite his fast-paced nature.

• Goddard was not skilled at sales, particularly when pitching military applications for his rockets.
• He struggled to present his work as a solution to the customer's problems, in this case, the military.
• The "George Clooney sales method" suggests presenting oneself as the solution to a customer's problem rather than focusing on personal achievements.

"There were limits to Goddard's ability as a salesman, beginning with his failure to determine the interest of his potential customer." This quote highlights Goddard's difficulty in understanding and addressing the needs of his audience, a crucial aspect of effective salesmanship.

• Goddard's early tests with small rockets laid the groundwork for the future of rocketry.
• He discovered principles of ballistic stability that were historically known but applied them to rockets.
• Goddard's persistence and passion for rocketry drove him to continue despite numerous setbacks.

"On the same day, Goddard tested a single charge rocket weighing about two pounds. It flew about a half a mile." This quote illustrates the humble beginnings of Goddard's experiments, which would eventually lead to significant advancements in rocketry.

• After years of working on multi-charge rockets, Goddard returned to his earlier idea of using liquid propellants.
• He revisited concepts he had noted as early as 1909 and mentioned in a 1914 patent.
• Goddard's switch to liquid fuels was pivotal in the advancement of rocket technology.

"He returned to hydrogen and oxygen, liquefied oxygen and liquefied hydrogen were theoretically ideal as being the elements in their most condensed form." This quote signifies Goddard's innovative thinking in using liquid propellants, which were more efficient and powerful for rockets.

• Goddard faced external pressures from patrons and the challenge of securing funding without compromising his vision.
• His determination and ability to stay focused on his work amid external and internal challenges were noteworthy.
• The first successful flight of a liquid-propelled rocket in 1926 was a testament to Goddard's perseverance.

"The fiscal shortage was aggravated by Abbot's shortening temper. 'I am, however, consumed with impatience,' his patron told him..." This quote demonstrates the tension between Goddard's methodical approach to research and the impatience of those funding his work.

• Goddard is considered the father of modern rocketry for his practical demonstrations, not just theoretical work.
• His work inspired others and laid the foundation for the space industry.
• The story of Goddard's progress from a janitor to a rocketeer illustrates the transformative power of dedication and vision.

"The first flight of a liquid propelled rocket may have not looked like much, but nothing like it had ever happened on earth before." This quote encapsulates the historic significance of Goddard's achievement in launching the first liquid-fueled rocket, marking a new era in space exploration.

• Goddard's association with prominent figures like Charles Lindbergh and the Guggenheim family helped secure funding for his research.
• The press release by the Smithsonian and subsequent fame played a role in attracting financial support.
• The collaboration between Goddard, Lindbergh, and Guggenheim was based on a shared vision for the future of human flight.

"It was one of the most remarkable friendships of the 20th century, involving three highly intelligent, energetic, and ambitious men." This quote reflects the powerful synergy between Goddard, Lindbergh, and Guggenheim, which was instrumental in advancing rocketry and space exploration.

• Robert Goddard preached resourcefulness to his team.
• His approach involved making do with limited resources, fashioning instruments from scraps, and reusing rocket parts.
• The team had to be economical due to limited funding, often scavenging parts from failed launches.

"He taught them to make do with what they had, fashioning fine instruments out of whatever scraps we could find. They wasted nothing."

This quote emphasizes Goddard's emphasis on resourcefulness and the necessity of being economical due to financial constraints.

• Goddard aimed at high altitude research, not outer space.
• He achieved a significant milestone in 1930 with a successful rocket launch reaching 2000ft in altitude.
• Funding issues due to the Great Depression forced Goddard to return to being a professor.

"Goddard is 48 years old, always ready on December when Nell... went about 2000ft up in the air and 1000ft away... it was the highest liquid fuel rocket to date, and he was still ahead of everyone else."

This quote highlights Goddard's success in rocketry and the subsequent financial challenges that impacted his work.

• Goddard struggled to sell his ideas and secure funding.
• His inability to effectively communicate the value of his work to potential funders was a significant setback.
• He faced career interruptions due to this inability, raising the question of what he might have achieved without such disruptions.

"His fatal flaw of his inability to sell his work... He took several years off... What would he have accomplished if he never had any interruptions?"

The quote reflects on the impact of Goddard's inability to market his work and how it led to missed opportunities and career interruptions.

• Goddard was prone to distraction, as seen in his diary entries.
• He recognized his own shortcomings in not being an artist or a preacher, which reflected his marketing struggles.
• Charles Lindbergh and others urged Goddard to focus on achieving higher altitude flights for increased funding and recognition.

"Goddard never seemed to fix that problem... Lindbergh had become impatient with Goddard switching layouts."

The quote discusses Goddard's problem with staying focused and how it affected his progress and ability to secure funding.

• Goddard's failure to collaborate with the military and adapt his rockets to their needs led to missed funding opportunities.
• His inability to explain the practical applications of his rockets in warfare resulted in a lack of support.

"His failure to cooperate with his potential clients... caused them to turn down all his proposals."

This quote points to Goddard's shortcomings in collaboration and adaptation, which were crucial for securing funding.

• Goddard's health declined due to throat cancer, similar to his father.
• Despite his health challenges, he continued to work with determination.
• His wife, Esther, played a significant role in preserving his legacy after his death.

"Goddard's iron will had seen him through tuberculosis... But it could not conquer throat cancer."

The quote reflects on Goddard's perseverance through health challenges and his wife's dedication to his legacy.

• Goddard's work was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, but his wife ensured his contributions were recognized posthumously.
• He was remembered for his perseverance, patience, and courage despite skepticism and limited resources.
• Goddard's legacy includes numerous patents and foundational contributions to rocketry.

"Even more impressive than Dr. Goddard's technical skill, insight, and ingenuity were his extraordinary perseverance, patience, and courage."

This quote summarizes Goddard's legacy, emphasizing his personal qualities and perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Goddard is compared to other rocketry pioneers, noting similarities in inspiration, teaching backgrounds, and theoretical contributions.
• Despite personality flaws and social difficulties, all pioneers had devoted admirers and significant egos.
• Each pioneer was eventually surpassed in the field they helped create, but their foundational work was crucial.

"The lies of the three fathers reveal some interesting similarities... Yet each was likable enough to turn acquaintances into devoted admirers."

The quote compares the personal and professional traits of rocketry pioneers, highlighting their similarities and the impact of their work.

• The podcast host reflects on the importance of choosing the right spouse and career for a fulfilling life.
• Goddard is contrasted with Alfred Nobel, showcasing the impact of personal relationships and career satisfaction on overall happiness.
• The host uses biographies to learn from the past and make informed decisions about life's crucial choices.

"Nail those two decisions. Pick the right spouse, and pick what you're going to do for work."

This quote emphasizes the importance of making the right choices in personal and professional life, drawing lessons from historical figures like Goddard and Nobel.