What aspect of physics was not known by the writer of this newspaper editorial that ridiculed early experiments by Robert H. Goddard on rocket propulsion above Earth’s atmosphere? “Professor Goddard.

Question

What aspect of physics was not known by the writer of this newspaper editorial that ridiculed early experiments by Robert H. Goddard on rocket propulsion above Earth’s atmosphere? “Professor Goddard. . . does not know the relation of action to reaction, and of the need to have something better than a vacuum against which to react . . . he seems to lack the knowledge ladled (handed) out daily in high schools.”

Answer 1

Hi Bernard Paul D.,

The rocket is not pushing against a vacuum -- it is pushing against its own exhaust gases. Propulsion in space is an exhausting process!

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.