Sam Turkin

Massachusetts scientist Robert Goddard figured out that in order to reach space, a rocket would need liquid fuel, like gasoline mixed with oxygen.

And even though his first liquid-fueled rocket a century ago only rose a couple dozen feet, liquid fuel would go on to become the main propellant for rocket ships.

Lori Leshin is a space scientist who formerly led NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The rocket scientist's work was so meaningful that when Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon, in his pocket was Goddard's autobiography.

For NPR News, I'm Sam Turkin in Auburn, Massachusetts.