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A century after the first rocket launch, Ars staffers pick their favorites

A century after the first rocket launch, Ars staffers pick their favorites
**100 Years of Rocketry: Celebrating a Milestone Achievement in Space Exploration** On this day, 100 years ago, a groundbreaking event took place that marked the beginning of the space age. Robert Goddard, a renowned physicist from the United States, successfully launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket, named 'Nell.' Although the flight was brief, lasting only 2.5 seconds, it was a historic achievement that paved the way for future space exploration. The rocket, powered by a combination of gasoline and liquid oxygen, rose a mere 41 feet into the air before crashing into ice and snow. However, this small achievement would go on to inspire the development of modern spaceflight technology. Just three decades later, the first objects would be launched into space using liquid-fueled rockets, followed by the first human spaceflights. It would take over 40 years for humans to set foot on the Moon. To commemorate this milestone, a few Ars staffers shared some of their most memorable space launches. For instance, Lee Hutchinson, an Ars writer, attended the penultimate launch of the Space Shuttle program, STS-130, in 2010. He was there to support his wife, who had worked on the Node 3 module for the International Space Station. The launch was a major event, carrying essential hardware to the ISS. For those who attended the launch, it was an unforgettable experience. They got to tour various Kennedy Space Center (KSC) locations, including the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Orbiter Processing Facility. They even had the opportunity to take a photo next to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which was staged and ready for launch on pad 39-A. This achievement serves as a reminder of the incredible progress humanity has made in space exploration. From the early days of liquid-fueled rockets to the modern space age, we have come a long way. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the exciting developments yet to come in the field of space exploration. **What's your most memorable space-related experience? Share your story in the comments below.**
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version for clarity & Nigerian context

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