Rockets

Space is considered anything over 63 miles high. It doesn’t seem like it is very far, but getting there is hard work. Scientists and engineers work together to determine the most efficient fuels to burn, design the most powerful motors and engines, and build the most aerodynamic rockets to fly. In addition, all of this happens while keeping payload safety in the forefront. NASA is building the next great rocket called the SLS, or Space Launch System, that will take us to the Moon, Mars and beyond. This rocket is 322 feet tall and will safely launch up to 4 astronauts at a time using both Solid Rocket Boosters and RS-25 Engines for power. This combination produces over 8 million pounds of thrust. Thrust is the force that allows the rocket to overcome Earth’s gravity and enter orbit. Part of the scientific principles that explain how thrust works are found in Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion. Other theories of aerodynamics, such as Bernoulli’s principle, explain why control surfaces like fins and nosecones affect the way a rocket behaves. In addition, concepts of physics, including center of mass and center of pressure must be taken into consideration to ensure rocket stability. Download "Rockets" activity (pdf)

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