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Rocket Transportation Engineers and scientists have met many challenges to reach outer space with various spacecraft. The mass of a rocket can make the difference between a successful flight and a rocket that just sits on a launch pad. As a basic principle of rocket flight, a rocket will leave the ground when the engine produces a thrust that is greater than the total mass of a vehicle. Large rockets, able to carry a spacecraft into space, have serious weight problems. To reach space and propel orbital velocities, a great deal of propellant is needed: therefore, the tanks, engines and associated hardware become larger. Up to a point, bigger rockets fly farther than smaller rockets, but when they become too large their structures weigh them down too much. A variety of propulsion techniques may be used to propel a spacecraft to and from Mars. In this activity, you'll get to use a down-to-earth propulsion system - compressed air. Although a system of this type probably won't propel a Mars mission, it will generate plenty of fun and exploration. MATERIALS
PROCEDURE QUESTIONS 1. What is the propellant? __________________________________________________ 2. What factors determine the distance traveled by the balloon? ____________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ¯ CONTEST¯ Design a balloon rocket that can travel the greatest distance. You can add extra balloons, change the length/position/number of straw segments, etc., in you r quest to construct the best propelled vehicle! You will be judged on: Performance: The rocket that travels the greatest distance. Engineering Technique: The use of engineering principles in your design. Creative Achievement: The most appealing and original looking design. |