Goddard problem
Encyclopedia
In rocketry
, the Goddard problem is to optimize the altitude
of a rocket, ascending vertically, and taking into account atmospheric drag and the gravitational field
. This was first posed by Robert H. Goddard
in his 1919 publication, "A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes".
Rocket
A rocket is a missile, spacecraft, aircraft or other vehicle which obtains thrust from a rocket engine. In all rockets, the exhaust is formed entirely from propellants carried within the rocket before use. Rocket engines work by action and reaction...
, the Goddard problem is to optimize the altitude
Altitude
Altitude or height is defined based on the context in which it is used . As a general definition, altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The reference datum also often varies according to the context...
of a rocket, ascending vertically, and taking into account atmospheric drag and the gravitational field
Gravitational field
The gravitational field is a model used in physics to explain the existence of gravity. In its original concept, gravity was a force between point masses...
. This was first posed by Robert H. Goddard
Robert H. Goddard
Robert Hutchings Goddard was an American professor, physicist and inventor who is credited with creating and building the world's first liquid-fueled rocket, which he successfully launched on March 16, 1926...
in his 1919 publication, "A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes".