Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 2 The Universe Inspires Curiosity…
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Transcript of Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 2 The Universe Inspires Curiosity…
BLAST OFF!
Introduction to Rocket & Spacecraft Design
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 2
The Universe Inspires Curiosity…
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 3
Why Do Humans Explore?
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 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
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 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?
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 6
Exploration…
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 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
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 8
The Future of Human Kind…
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 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
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 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!
Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 2013 11
And now some inspiration…