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…