The Wonder Mission is an organization dedicated to creating initiatives and experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, educators, innovators, and “visioneers.”
Celebrating the “First Launch Centennial,” the 100th anniversary of the world’s first modern rocket launch by Dr. Robert H. Goddard
…and the dawn of the SPACE AGE!
100th anniversary of the first launch
of a modern rocket by Dr. Robert Goddard.
“The First Launch” Centennial is an opportunity we can’t pass up.
It’s a unique chance to celebrate and leverage the incredible legacy of “The Father of Modern Rocketry” while simultaneously celebrating the remarkable contributions of our “Modern-Day Goddards “ and inspiring “Tomorrow’s Goddards.”
We are long overdue to honor, elevate, and pay homage to our educators, scientists, engineers, students, explorers, and visionaries who work tirelessly to expand human knowledge and inspire us all to dream big.
Goddard’s story is an inspirational one of vision, perseverance, discipline, and focus in pursuit of the dream of space exploration.
His advanced theories were so groundbreaking and ahead of his times that they were mocked and ridiculed by colleagues and even The New York Times.
Yet he persisted, and with minimal resources, overcame adversity and ultimately launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket, ushering in the space age.
In 1903, with their “First Flight,” the Wright brothers got humanity off the ground.
Just 23 years later, Dr. Robert Goddard’s “First Launch”, was the first step in taking humankind off the planet.
43 years later, in 1969…we walked on the Moon!
Shockingly, the U.S. has fallen to 38th in the world in graduating science and engineering majors.
More than 1.5 million STEM jobs go unfulfilled due to a lack of qualified talent.
Despite best efforts, STEM has been a harder sell than expected.
Countries like China think generationally are outpacing us in R&D, Artificial Intelligence, science education, and critical technology research.
We need bold new initiatives to change this dynamic.
Humans, especially kids, are innately wired to be curious but need a critical spark to ignite them.
To inspire and motivate, we must exceed expectations.
We must WOW them!
In 2021, Wonder Mission founder, Charles Slatkin learned that the Goddards’ home was about to be destroyed by developers.
He was able to save it, and The Wonder Mission plans to establish it as a center for science education, innovation, and inspiration.
Dr. Goddard’s wife, Esther, played a pivotal role and partnership in Dr. Goddard’s achievements.
The Goddard’s house will now be called:
We are designing multimedia installations, curricula, and traveling experiences that raise the bar for “The First Launch Centennial,” and beyond.
One of the most valuable and critical experiences that need to be shared is an ultra-high resolution “Holo-Deck” simulation of the life-changing phenomena known widely as “The Overview Effect.”
People will use simple body gestures, enhanced with haptic feedback and focused ultrasonic audio to interactively fly off the Earth and explore the universe.
Using augmented reality to convert school gymnasiums into virtual interactive solar systems and galaxies.
We’re also laying the framework for a virtual and physical tour of sites around the United States that were instrumental in the history and the continuing quest of science and space exploration.
Similar to Boston’s famous “Freedom Trail,” it will be known as “The National Space Trail.”
We are creating a national movement to creatively celebrate the Centennial and today’s unsung remarkable heroes and “visioneers.”
This fall, we will organize a virtual symposium and invite like-minded individuals and organizations to connect, collaborate, brainstorm, and plan strategies and initiatives for the Robert & Esther Goddard House, the First Launch Centennial, and the National Space Trail. Specific details will be shared at a later date.
Call…email…text…spread the word, and join the Mission.
[email protected]
www.thewondermission.org
Headquartered at the home of Dr. Robert and Esther Goddard – One Tallawanda Drive, Worcester MA 01603 (508)-523-9666
We will also be reaching out and organizing separate committees to help spread the word and strategize how these groups can best leverage the Centennial opportunity to advance their own goals and individual objectives.
Aerospace
Government
Universities / Schools
Foundations/Philanthropies
Museums / Science Centers
Advocacy Organizations / Clubs
CHARLES H. SLATKIN
Founder of THE WONDER MISSION®
Charles H. Slatkin is a multimedia and internationally recognized “wow factor” pioneer, space evangelist, and “visioneer.” With a background in science, film, video, dimensional audio, stereoscopic photography, and holography, he has leveraged a unique cross-disciplinary set of skills to educate and wow audiences worldwide.
Inspired at an early age by the accomplishments of Dr. Robert Goddard and the wonders of space exploration, he is now dedicating all his time and energy to actualizing the goals of THE WONDER MISSION non-profit and its initiatives.
Charles founded the production companies Wave Inc. and WOW Inc, renowned for their innovative work for clients including The Discovery Channel, PBS, NOVA, Animal Planet, IBM, Amgen, The Henry Ford, and the American Museum of Natural History.
He helped produce groundbreaking projects such as “The Comcast Experience,” a massive multi-million-pixel media facade at their HQ in Philadelphia. “The People’s Republic of China Pavilion” at the Shanghai EXPO 2010, the “WOW Presentation Room” at the New York Stock Exchange, and “The 360º Experience” at the G.W. Bush Presidential Library.
I was fortunate to have been inspired at a very early age by the wonders of science and space. As a child, I really did feel that “Anything Was Possible.” I still do. I want our kids and grandkids to feel the same way.
The Wonder Mission is my calling, and I am calling on you to bring your resources and passions to the effort, just as Robert Goddard did a century ago.
Together, we can once again spark the imaginations of young and old to the wonders of space, science, engineering, and the immense benefits to our country and the world.
Together, we can inspire our youth to be a part of something wondrous.
Reconnecting and leveraging Goddard’s vision and legacy will be the launch vehicle for our future.
