Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, The Universe Inspires Curiosity…

Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, Why Do Humans Explore?

Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 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, 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, Exploration…

Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 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 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, The Future of Human Kind…

Conversano, BLAST OFF! May, 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, 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, And now some inspiration…