Building Model Rockets

Propulsion is a basic necessity for any type of spaceflight. If you plan to go to Mars, you need to have basic knowledge of how to construct a functional rocket.

There are two places to get instructions that will help you make your own model rocket. If you are a visual learner, the cd-rom might be the best bet. You'll watch a video which takes you though the steps. The other option is the instruction booklet with written steps and some pictures. You will not be able to completely finish your rocket in one day, since glue will need to dry. Assemble as much as you can and store any pieces to be installed the second day you visit this lab in a plastic Ziploc bag with your name written with a Sharpie on the outside. This is very important.

Day 1:

• Create the body tube and label clearly with name
• Glue on launch lug
• Cut out and glue on fins, also labeled
• Prepare parachute and label with name

Day 2:

• Prepare engine assembly and label with name
• Glue engine assembly inside of body tube, per directions
• Attach parachute to nose cone
• Attach nose cone to body tube
• For safety reasons, you will not receive your engine or flame resistant stuffing until right before the launch.

Homework:

Day 1: Describe how Newton's 3^rd and 1^st Laws apply to rockets in space. Some research may prove valuable or refresh your memory, but your response should be in your own words.

Day 1:

Work= weight x height

Power = work/time

a) Calculate the power of the engine used to launch a 0.2kg model rocket to an altitude of 30m in 4.1sec.

b) Calculate the power of the space shuttle main engines as they lift 2,040,000 kg to a height of 36 nautical miles in 120 seconds. (Yes, you'll need to do some conversions.)

c) Calculate the power to launch a 1250kg probe back to Earth from Mars where the acceleration due to gravity is 3.7m/s² , if it achieves an altitude of 300m in 25 seconds.

Day 2: Research the Voyager Space Probes. What were they? When were they launched? What was their purpose and what did they do? What can you find out about their propulsion system? How did they use gravity?