[Dan Evans]

The Goddard and the Wright brothers were working on a military contracts.

I don't think the Wright brothers got any money from the military until long after they got their flyer to work. Their was, however, another inventor who did get a research contract. He spent a lot of money but failed miserably. The success of the Wrights was such an embarrassment to the government that the Smithsonian Museum refused to give them credit for the first flight.

[anymouse]

Their was, however, another inventor who did get a research contract. He spent a lot of money but failed miserably.

I think you are thinking about Langley. They named a NACA/NASA center after him. One can accurately say that they are continuing his legacy of spending a lot of money and failing miserably. :)