BLAST OFF! Introduction to Rocket & Spacecraft Design
Feb 22, 2016
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…