RocketeeringRocketeering

Sub-space Flight Made EasySub-space Flight Made Easy

History of Rocket TechnologyHistory of Rocket Technology

First occurrence in recorded history places First occurrence in recorded history places rockets in China during the third century rockets in China during the third century BCBC

British use rockets as artillery in the 1800’sBritish use rockets as artillery in the 1800’s Germans introduce rockets as unmanned Germans introduce rockets as unmanned

distance weapons during WWIIdistance weapons during WWII Modern rockets are used to advance Modern rockets are used to advance

science and communicationscience and communication

Working RocketsWorking Rockets

Entertainment (fireworks)Entertainment (fireworks) Weather researchWeather research Weapons deliveryWeapons delivery CommunicationsCommunications Space explorationSpace exploration HobbiesHobbies

The most common uses for rockets are:The most common uses for rockets are:

Rocket PartsRocket Parts Nose Cone Nose Cone Body TubeBody Tube Launch Lug Launch Lug Stabilizing FinsStabilizing Fins EngineEngine Recovery Wadding Recovery Wadding Shock CordShock Cord Recovery SystemRecovery System

Rocket ConstructionRocket Construction

Roll the body on an appropriately Roll the body on an appropriately sized mandrelsized mandrel

Mark the locations for the stabilizing Mark the locations for the stabilizing fins on the rocket bodyfins on the rocket body

Glue the stabilizing fins to the rocket Glue the stabilizing fins to the rocket bodybody

Install the engine mountInstall the engine mount

Rocket Construction (cont’d)Rocket Construction (cont’d)

Adhere the launch lug rocket bodyAdhere the launch lug rocket body Connect the shock cord to the nose Connect the shock cord to the nose

conecone Attach the shock cord to the inside of Attach the shock cord to the inside of

the rocket body tubethe rocket body tube Attach the recovery system to the Attach the recovery system to the

shock cord between the nose cone shock cord between the nose cone and rocket bodyand rocket body

Patience: The Tough PartPatience: The Tough Part

Leave the rocket in a safe place to let Leave the rocket in a safe place to let the glue set.the glue set.

Be sure the nose cone and the Be sure the nose cone and the engine are not installed in the body of engine are not installed in the body of the rocketthe rocket

Check all the components prior to Check all the components prior to final assembly (and every launch)final assembly (and every launch)

Assemble the RocketAssemble the Rocket

Insert the recovery wadding*Insert the recovery wadding* Insert the recovery system*Insert the recovery system* Install the nose cone *Install the nose cone * Install the engine and igniter*Install the engine and igniter*

*should be snug, but not tight*should be snug, but not tight

Launch the RocketLaunch the Rocket Ensure you have a safe area to Ensure you have a safe area to

launchlaunch Carefully place the rocket on the Carefully place the rocket on the

launch padlaunch pad Start the countdownStart the countdown We have lift-off!We have lift-off!