I think this article sums up quite effectively the differences between now and then:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/07/coronavirus-re...
Hydrogen peroxide and ethanol, when sprayed into a combustion chamber, make a dandy rocket propellant. Mix 4:1, H2O2:ethanol. Theoretical specific impulse of 245 seconds. Source: table from poster published by Rocketdyne division of North American Aviation Inc, early '60s (gift from Dad)
Reader confidence in the author's scientific chops somewhat diminished.