Idaho Skies Transcript for March 15th and 16th

PAUL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for March 15th and 16th. We’re your hosts, Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
The first liquid-fueled rocket launch took place on March 16th, 1926.

RACHEL
The rocket was designed and built by physicist Robert Goddard.

PAUL
Goddard was a professor at Clark University in Massachusetts.

RACHEL
After several laboratory tests, he began constructing the rocket in January 1926.

PAUL
And the launch took place for real in Auburn, Massachusetts.

RACHEL
Specifically on the farm of his aunt Effie.

PAUL
The rocket’s propellants were liquid oxygen and gasoline.

RACHEL
At launch, the rocket didn’t leave its support frame.

PAUL
Instead, it shot a hot flame and roared.

RACHEL
That is, until it burned off enough propellant that it could finally lift itself.

PAUL
Then the rocket rose steadily and gained speed.

RACHEL
The entire flight lasted for 2.5 seconds and the rocket climbed to an altitude of 41 feet.

PAUL
While not an impressive flight, it proved that liquid-fueled rockets were possible.

RACHEL
German rocket enthusiasts like Werner von Braun used the results to this flight to design the V-2 missile.

PAUL
After World War II, the improvements made by von Braun where incorporated into the mighty Saturn V.

RACHEL
And in the end, the technology placed one dozen Americans on the moon.

PAUL
From a 41 foot high flight to the moon is 43 years. Not too bad.

RACHEL
Thanks to Dr. Goddard.

PAUL
Be sure to buckle your seatbelts, the next 43 years promise civilian access to space.

RACHEL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 15th and 16th of March.

PAUL
Be sure to follow us on Twitter at Idaho Skies for this week’s event reminders and sky maps.

For Idaho Skies this is Paul...

RACHEL
...and Rachel.

PAUL
Dark skies and bright stars.