Konstantin Tsiolkovsky was a Russian scientist and pioneer in the field of astronautics. Born in 1857, he is best known for his theoretical work on space travel and rocketry. Tsiolkovsky developed the concept of the rocket equation, which describes how rockets can achieve the necessary velocity to escape Earth's gravity. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern space exploration. Tsiolkovsky's vision extended beyond rockets; he imagined space stations and the possibility of human life in outer space. His influential writings inspired future generations of scientists and engineers, including notable figures like Wernher von Braun and Sergei Korolev, who contributed to the Soviet space program.