When were rockets invented
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The Invention and Evolution of Rockets
Early Origins of Rocket Technology
Chinese Gunpowder Rockets (9th Century)
The earliest known rockets were developed in China around 900 years ago. These initial rockets were gunpowder-propelled devices, which some historians suggest were discovered accidentally rather than through deliberate invention1. The use of gunpowder rockets in China dates back to several centuries B.C., with significant advancements occurring during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD) when black powder was used as the incendiary material4.
Hero of Alexandria's Steam Jet Propulsion (100 B.C.)
In addition to the Chinese developments, Hero of Alexandria invented a steam jet propulsion device around 100 B.C. This device, although not a rocket in the modern sense, laid foundational principles for jet propulsion2.
Spread and Military Use of Rockets
Mongol and Korean Adoption (13th-15th Century)
The technology of gunpowder rockets spread from China to other regions, including Korea, where the first Korean rocket was fired between 1377 and 1389. Korea successfully demonstrated the use of rockets as firearms in the 15th century5. The Mongols also adopted this technology and used it against the Japanese, further spreading the knowledge of rocketry4.
European Developments (13th-19th Century)
By the 13th century, black powder was known in Europe, with figures like Roger Bacon in England and Albertus Magnus in Germany contributing to its development. The French led the world in military rockets by the 15th century, and significant experimentation continued in the 17th century with figures like Christoph von Geissler4. In the early 19th century, William Congreve and William Hale made notable advancements in rocket accuracy and reliability for the British military3 8.
Modern Rocketry and Space Exploration
Robert H. Goddard's Liquid-Fueled Rocket (1926)
The modern era of rocketry began with Robert H. Goddard, who launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket on March 26, 1926, in Auburn, Massachusetts. Goddard's pioneering work laid the groundwork for future space exploration and missile development6 10.
German Rocket Program and V-2 Rocket (1930s-1940s)
In the 1930s, Germany initiated an all-out rocket program, culminating in the development of the V-2 rocket, which was first fired in September 1944. This program marked a significant milestone in the advancement of rocket technology2 7.
Post-War Developments and NASA's Role (1950s-1990s)
After World War II, rocket development in the United States and Germany grew into a large enterprise, with significant contributions from military services and NASA. The development of space-launch vehicles, such as Thor-Delta, Saturn, and the space shuttle, marked the evolution of rocket technology for both military and civilian purposes6.
Conclusion
The invention and evolution of rockets have been a complex journey spanning centuries and continents. From the accidental discovery of gunpowder rockets in China to the sophisticated space-launch vehicles of the 20th century, the development of rocketry has been driven by both military needs and the aspirations of dreamers and scientists. The contributions of early pioneers like Robert H. Goddard and the advancements during the World Wars have paved the way for modern space exploration and technology.
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