Rockets: Two Classic Papers is a collection of two papers by Robert H. Goddard. The book applies mathematics and physics to the practical problem of attaining sub-orbital heights with Rockets. Although he was ridiculed by the press and encountered indifference from his colleagues, Goddard persevered in times of trouble and continued to make adjustments, studying all the while.

The first paper is called “A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes.” This is Rocket Science in its nascent stages. It was the first time someone tried to apply the methods of engineering to such a problem, but that doesn’t really show here. Goddard employs the same tools and techniques that modern Rocket Scientists would use, only this was published in 1919. It isn’t as though Physics has changed all that much. While it is true that Quantum Mechanics was fleshed out, that doesn’t really have a bearing on Rocket Science.

The math is easy enough to follow, and the variables used are all explained. The only Greek letter I was able to spot so far was rho, for air density. The final summary tells it like it is, and states that Rockets are useful for this application. Rockets are more useful than Balloons since Balloons require air to displace and the upper atmosphere quickly loses that as you gain altitude.

The second paper is titled “Liquid-Propellant Rocket Development.” This paper was published in 1935 and contains a report on his experiments into rockets. Contained throughout both papers are several images documenting his patents and the locations of his experiments. ( )

This is a modern reprint of Dr. Goddard's original papers on rocketry. A must have for anyone interested in rockets or their development. ( )