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Robert Goddard Rocket Launch Centennial Celebration Announced

“Eventually on March 16th, 100 years ago, it was humanity’s first baby steps off the planet.”

By-Hank Stolz

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WORCESTER, MA– Charles Slatkin joined Hank on the Talk of the Commonwealth to provide an update on the upcoming centennial celebration of Dr. Robert Goddard’s first liquid-fueled rocket launch. “He had a lot of trial and error, a lot of failures, a lot, a lot of bad experiments, but he failed up. And eventually on March 16th, 100 years ago, it was humanity’s first baby steps off the planet.” He detailed the extensive, week-long series of events planned for March 16-22, 2026, in Worcester and Auburn, Massachusetts.

 
Slatkin discussed the historical significance of Goddard’s innovations, his visionary predictions, and his perseverance in the face of ridicule. “His character really is as significant, I think, as his achievements in terms of inspiring character.”  He outlined specific events including a park rededication, a museum exhibit dedicated solely to Goddard, a new National Space Trail, and a large, free event at the Hanover Theater aimed at inspiring students. A key goal of the centennial, he explained, was to elevate Goddard’s legacy from a local historical fact to a nationally recognized and inspirational story. “The centennial is more of the launching of the Goddard story to the world. And we’re hoping that this really is the beginning of Goddard’s legacy being better known and being more inspirational.”   
 
 

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