Goddard Cup Facts

3rd Annual Competition >

WPI's Physics Department held the 3rd annual Goddard Cup Competition to honor the "Father of Modern Rocketry," Dr. Robert H. Goddard, who graduated in 1908 from WPI. This annual competition began in 2008 when WPI held a year-long observance of the centennial of his graduation.

Teams compete for prizes by launching three water rockets at a large ring from a specific distance. The closest rocket wins a trophy for the school, medals for themselves, and their name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Physics Department lounge.

Goddard is one of WPI's best-known and most historically significant alumni. He was the first to use liquid propellants as rocket fuel, and is credited with the first successful launch of a liquid-fueled rocket -- from Auburn, MA, on March 16, 1926.

(For safety reasons, Goddard Cup competitors use non-combustible water.)

SPM wins Goddard Cup!

On June 9 the Science Club competed in the annual WPI Goddard Cup. They had to create a rocket that would travel 30 meters and be closest to the mark. They competed against many schools, such as Holy Name and also a strong competitor in South High.

Last year SPM won first place and this year they repeated their fine performance by again placing first amongst all the schools.

Congratulations to Mrs. D'Aquila and the entire Science Club...you ROCKet!