A rocket motor's propellant consists of an oxidizer and a fuel. Because a rocket motor carries its own oxygen (in the oxidizer), rockets can function in the vacuum of space (and even underwater).
Robert H. Goddard launched the first successful liquid-propellant rocket on March 16, 1926.
First Successful Liquid-Propellant Rocket (March 16, 1926) - On March 16, 1926, Robert H. Goddard launched the first successful liquid-propellant rocket.