Goddard Space Flight Center
Today
The 20th century rocket scientist Robert Goddard (1882-1945) developed rockets that were used as weapons, but Goddard dreamed of rockets for space travel. He developed a multiple stage rocket which he patented. It was issued in July 1914 as U.S. Patent 1,103,503. He launched the first rocket that used liquid fuel, instead of explosive powder. Although he did not live to see the realization of his dream of space travel, his efforts made it a reality.

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center was established in 1959. It advances Robert Goddard's dream into the 21st century. They take an interdisciplinary approach, using space travel to further our knowledge of space sciences in an economically viable manner. The Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres is one such department. They use images of the Earth and other planets to improve our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and improve world weather predictions.

Photo of:
The Americas and Hurricane Andrew from the NASA Image Exchange.