March 22, 2022

On this date in 1913, American engineer Robert H. Goddard was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Although doctors believed he had only weeks to live, Goddard survived for more than 32 years following his diagnosis. In 1914 he received the first patents for both a multistage and a liquid fueled rocket. On March 16, 1926, almost 13 years to the day from his diagnosis, Goddard changed spaceflight history forever by launching the first liquid fueled rocket which reached a height of 41 feet.

Robert H. Goddard and his first liquid-fueled rocket, taken on March 16, 1926. Image credit: NASA