Introduction to Rocketry Ms. Pacheco Advanced and Conceptual Physics Physical Science

Did you know… Rockets were used in many famous battles, including one famous battle during the War of 1812.

Cont. During the battle, at Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, a young poet named Francis Scott Key watched the rocket bombardment and wrote a poem about “the rocket’s red glare/the bombs bursting in air”

Cont. Later, set to music, that poem became the “Star- Spangled Banner”

Most believe… Rockets were invented by the Chinese around the 11 th century AD These early rockets were used by the Chinese to repel invaders, such as the Mongols.

By the 13 th century… The use of the rockets had spread to the Middle Eastern countries where they were known as “Chinese Fire Arrows” These early rockets were little more than tubes stuffed with gunpowder. When the gunpowder was ignited, it exploded and produced hot gasses that “pushed” the rockets into flight.

Eventually… The use of rockets for both warfare and entertainment spread worldwide. However, it has only been since the last three hundred years that rocket experimenters have actually understood the scientific principles behind the motion of rockets.

Rocketry as a science… Got its start in 1687 with the publishing of a book in 1687 by an English scientist named (Sir) Isaac Newton In his work, Newton stated that three important scientific principles govern the motion of all objects, whether on earth or in space.

Part of a rocket Nose cone Fins Body Engine

Nose Cone Carries the payload or cargo Payload may include astronauts, satellites, scientific instruments, etc. To minimize friction, the nose cone should have a rounded or bullet shape

Fins Keep the rocket flying straight Without fins, the rocket would tumble out of control Fins must also be located at the rear of the rocket unless the rocket has an onboard computer-controlled guidance

Rocket body Holds the propellant and rocket engine Fins are attached to the rocket body

Engine Engines normally burn a combination of chemicals called propellant. Propellant usually consists of two parts: fuel and oxidizer. Without the oxidizer, the rocket fuel could not burn because there is no oxygen in space.

Forces Affecting Flight Thrust Gravity Drag

Thrust Thrust is the force generated by a rocket engine that propels the rocket Must be greater than the pull of gravity for a rocket to fly upward

Gravity Gravity is the downward force applied to all objects on earth. More force is required to lift a heavy rocket than a light one. The heavier the rocket, the more thrust is needed to overcome the gravity and lift the rocket into space.

Drag Drag is the amount of air resistance or friction on the rocket as it flies. Drag is minimized by reducing the frontal surface area of the rocket and by having a smooth exterior finish

Soviet Union or USA? 1957 – First satellite in space 1958 – First dog in space 1959 – First photo of far side of moon First spacecraft to orbit moon 1961 – First manned spacecraft to orbit Earth

Soviet Union or USA? 1963 – First woman is space 1964 – First spacecraft to “soft – land” on the moon 1965 – First space walk 1966 – First spacecraft to land on the moon 1968 – First people to orbit the moon 1969 – First people to walk on the moon

Soviet Union or USA? 1957 – First satellite is space 1958 – First dog in space 1959 – First photo of far side of moon

Soviet Union or USA? First spacecraft to orbit moon 1961 – First manned spacecraft to orbit Earth

Soviet Union or USA? 1963 – First woman is space 1964 – First spacecraft to “soft – land” on the moon 1965 – First space walk

Soviet Union or USA? 1966 – First spacecraft to land on the moon 1968 – First people to orbit the moon 1969 – First people to walk on the moon