blast off! introduction to rocket & spacecraft design
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BLAST OFF! Introduction to Rocket & Spacecraft Design. The Universe Inspires Curiosity…. Why Do Humans Explore?. Reasons for Space Exploration. Knowledge Answer scientific questions about the universe Exploration Send spacecraft to explore distant planets and space environments Discovery - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
BLAST OFF!
Introduction to Rocket & Spacecraft Design
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The Universe Inspires Curiosity…
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Why Do Humans Explore?
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Reasons for Space Exploration
• Knowledge– Answer scientific questions about
the universe• Exploration
– Send spacecraft to explore distant planets and space environments
• Discovery– Find Earth-like planets and useful
resources on other planets– Find planets harboring life
• The future of human kind
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Knowledge…• Key questions about the universe include...
– How did the universe come to be?– How many galaxies are in the universe?– How will the universe end?
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Exploration…
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Discovery…• Life on other planets
– No way of knowing without direct contact (communication, observation, etc.)
• SETI Program analyzes EM radiation from space• Searches for communications from other worlds
– Currently searching for Earth-like planets• First planet orbiting a Sun-like star was
discovered in 1995• New research suggests between 17 - 100 billion
Earth-like planets in the Milky Way alone!
• Universal wonders– Space telescopes like Hubble allow us to
view and study…• New galaxies• Nebulas• Supernovas
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The Future of Human Kind…
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How We Get There: Anatomy of a Rocket• Nose Cone
– Aerodynamics– Holds payload
• Body / Structure– Contains the propellant
• Stabilizers / Aero-Fins– Maintains direction
• Large rockets use boosters to stabilize• Small rockets use fins / wings
• Thruster– Uses Newton’s Laws– Ejects mass at high speed
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Rocket Design, Build, Fly• Build a 2L Bottle Rocket
– Groups of 3– Use any materials brought from home
• You may NOT aid the propulsion of the rocket in any way
• Objectives– Highest altitude
• +1 point awarded for each foot of altitude achieved– Longest flight time
• +1 point for every second of flight time– Safe landing
• - 10 points for every component of the rocket with signs of damage
You may NOT fly a completely bare 2L bottle!
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And now some inspiration…