What Were The First Rocket Payloads?

The history of rocketry goes back to at least the 13th century, where the first rocket payloads were fireworks and weaponry. By the 20 th century, rocketry science had advanced to such an extent that the rocket was used as a launch provider for human payloads in space. By the 21st century, rocket payloads have also enabled the growth of a new and exciting industry, that of commercial space tourism.

In the 9th century Chinese alchemists discovered black powder, which led to experiments with weaponry such as bombs, cannon, fire-arrows and rocket-propelled fire-arrows. This early rocket technology soon spread due to military campaigns throughout Asia and Europe. Rockets were named for the Italian Rocchetta, (meaning 'little fuse) – the name of the first small firecracker created in 1379.

Rocket payloads continued to be used for military purposes throughout the intervening centuries, used for example during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, the Battle of Baltimore and the Battle of Waterloo.

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