Konstantin Tsiolkovsky

Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky was a Russian and Soviet rocket scientist who pioneered astronautics. Starting in 1896, Tsiolkovsky systematically studied the theory of motion of rocket apparatus. Tsiolkovsky calculated, using the Tsiolkovsky equation, : 1  that the horizontal speed required for a minimal orbit around the Earth is 8,000 m/s and that this could be achieved by means of a multistage rocket fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. In 1929, Tsiolkovsky proposed the construction of multistage rockets in his book Space Rocket Trains. Soviet search teams at Peenemünde found a German translation of a book by Tsiolkovsky of which "Almost every page...was embellished by von Braun's comments and notes." : 27  Leading Soviet rocket-engine designer Valentin Glushko and rocket designer Sergey Korolev studied Tsiolkovsky's works as youths, : 6-7, 333  and both sought to turn Tsiolkovsky's theories into reality. There is a statue of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky directly outside the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Tsiolkovsky's house The house museum of Tsiolkovsky.