BLAST OFF! Introduction to Rocket & Spacecraft Design

1. BLAST OFF!Introduction to Rocket & Spacecraft Design

2. The Universe Inspires Curiosity…

3. Why Do Humans Explore?

4. 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

5. 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?

6. Exploration…

7. 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

8. The Future of Human Kind…

9. 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

10. 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!

11. And now some inspiration…