amyshirateitel

That would have to be Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. He was the first to show that rockets could leave the Earth, and he's generally regarded as the father of modern rocketry (along with Goddard and Oberth).

There's a lot to say here, but in short, I think the main difference is that America separated the space program from its military roots whereas the Soviets kept space technology developments closely linked. It meant that the Soviets didn't need to duplicate things to get into space while America divided its efforts.

Yes! But just space. I wouldn't go to Mars. I'm not ready to abandon the people I love on Earth!

Confusion, mainly! I get the flat Earth idea if we're talking about ancient concepts of the cosmos, but anything post-ancient Greeks who knew the Earth was round because of watching ships disappear over the horizon... I don't get it! There are a lot of instances of things where the proof is staring people right in the face and they still choose to ignore it. This seems like one of those instances, and no part of me understands the benefit! Yeah. Confusion.

He's excellent! Currently chasing a laser pointer as I attempt to distract him from trying to break into my kitchen cabinets.