T-Minus Space Daily Goddard’s Centennial.
Nov 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Charles Statkin, founder of The Wonder Mission, shares his passion for preserving Robert Goddard's legacy, known as the father of modern rocketry. He recounts discovering Goddard's incredible contributions at Clark University and even purchasing his house to save it from destruction. Statkin outlines plans for a national centennial celebration that will elevate new scientists and educators. He discusses Goddard’s visionary ideas like solar power and ion propulsion, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big and learning from failure for the next generation.
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Saving Goddard's House
- Charles Statkin bought Robert Goddard's house to prevent its demolition and preserve rocket history.
- He felt humanity needed to keep the physical origin of modern rocketry intact for future generations.
Buzz Aldrin's Goddard Connection
- Buzz Aldrin cut the ribbon at Clark University's Robert Goddard Library and carried a miniature Goddard autobiography to the Moon mission.
- He later presented that miniature book to Esther Goddard, and Clark holds it in their archives.
Make The Centennial Open And Local
- Use the centennial as a flexible movement schools and museums can adapt rather than a centralized, monetized product.
- Provide open resources, cleaned archival photos, and toolkits so local groups can create their own celebrations.
