A、A laboratory and test range was already set up there. B、Its climate was ideal for year-round rocket launching. C、A weather exp

Robert Goddard, an American born in 1882, is widely regarded as the world’s first rocket scientist. At age 27, Goddard published his first book, in which he hypothesized that a rocket launched from Earth could reach the moon. Like many visionaries, the young scientist encountered numerous skeptics. In January 1920, the New York Times ridiculed Goddard’s theory that rockets could be utilized for space exploration. 49 years later, Apollo 11 reached the moon, and the famed newspaper published an apology to Goddard. Goddard launched his first rocket from an aunt’s farm in his native Massachusetts in March 1926. His maiden rocket voyage lasted a mere three seconds. It scaled an altitude of only 12 meters. Nonetheless, it was a milestone in rocket science.
    Goddard later consulted with a weather expert and determined that the climate of New Mexico was ideal for year-round rocket launches. In 1930, Goddard and his family relocated there to a remote valley in the southwest of the country. There he established a laboratory and test range. However, the ambitious scientist received negligible support from the government. For four years, wealthy businessman Daniel Guggenheim provided Goddard with an annual $25,000 grant to pursue his dreams. Other rocket enthusiasts also raised funds for him. Over time, Goddard’s rockets grew more sophisticated and included the installation of instruments. In spite of his many successes, Goddard was never able to interest the US military in rocket-propelled weapons. He was granted over 200 patents and continued to pioneer rocket technology until his death in 1945.
    Questions 12 to 15 are based on the passage you have just heard.
    12. What do we learn about Goddard’s idea of using rockets for space exploration?
    13. What does the passage say about Goddard’s first rocket launch?
    14. Why did Goddard move to New Mexico?
    15. What does the passage say about Goddard’s achievements?