[whipping out February edition of Smithsonian e]
It seems that no matter what topic comes up on this board, Smithsonian has already printed an article on it! This is proven yet again by the "Reaching Towards Space" article in the February Smithsonian. It recounts the work of Robert H. Goddard, who developed a rocket that could reach a height of "somewhat over a mile" in the 1930's. However, it was largely forgotten in the excitement over the German V-2 rockets. Goddard, at the urging of Charles Lindbergh and Harry Guggenheim, donated a rocket to the Smithsonian to "ensure the preservation of his technology." It was not to be displayed under any circumstances, and so it was stored for more than ten years-- from 1935 to 1945. Goddard dreamed of developing a rocket that would reach much higher altitudes, but died before he could achieve his dreams.
