Rocket Science Notes
1. Introduction to Rocket Science
Rocket science, also known as astronautics or space propulsion, is a branch of aerospace
engineering that focuses on designing and launching rockets. It involves physics,
mathematics, and engineering principles to move spacecraft beyond Earth's atmosphere.
2. Newton’s Laws of Motion and Rocketry
1. **Newton’s First Law (Inertia):** A rocket at rest stays at rest, and a rocket in motion
stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Rockets need thrust to overcome
gravity and air resistance.
2. **Newton’s Second Law (Force = Mass × Acceleration):** The acceleration of a rocket
depends on its mass and the force applied. Formula: F = m × a.
3. **Newton’s Third Law (Action & Reaction):** For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction. When a rocket expels gases downward, it is pushed upward in the
opposite direction.
3. Rocket Propulsion
Rocket propulsion is based on the principle of expelling mass to generate thrust.
Types of Rocket Engines:
1. **Chemical Rockets:** Use chemical reactions to produce high-speed exhaust gases.
Examples: Solid-fuel and liquid-fuel rockets.
2. **Electric Rockets:** Use electric fields to accelerate ions. Example: Ion thrusters.
3. **Nuclear Rockets:** Use nuclear reactions to heat and expel propellant. Still under
development.
Thrust Equation (Tsiolkovsky’s Rocket Equation):
Δv = vₑ ln (m₀ / m_f), where:
- Δv = Change in velocity (how fast the rocket can go)
- vₑ = Exhaust velocity of gases
- m₀ = Initial mass (rocket + fuel)
- m_f = Final mass (after fuel is burned)
4. Stages of a Rocket Launch
1. **Liftoff:** Rocket engines fire, generating thrust greater than gravity.
2. **Ascent:** The rocket moves through the atmosphere, reducing drag.
3. **Booster Separation:** Used-up booster stages are jettisoned to reduce weight.
4. **Orbit Insertion:** The rocket reaches orbital velocity (~28,000 km/h for Earth).
5. **Mission Execution:** The payload (satellite, crew, probe) reaches its destination.
5. Orbital Mechanics
**Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion:**
1. **Elliptical Orbits:** Planets and satellites move in an ellipse around a central body.
2. **Equal Areas in Equal Time:** A satellite moves faster when closer to the Earth.
3. **Orbital Period Relation:** The square of a planet’s orbit period is proportional to the
cube of its distance from the Sun.
Escape Velocity:
The minimum speed needed to leave a planet’s gravitational pull.
Formula: vₑ = √(2GM / R), where:
- G = Gravitational constant
- M = Mass of the planet
- R = Radius of the planet
For Earth, escape velocity ≈ 11.2 km/s.
6. Applications of Rocket Science
1. **Space Exploration:** NASA, SpaceX, and other agencies use rockets for planetary
exploration.
2. **Satellites:** Rockets launch GPS, weather, and communication satellites.
3. **Military Defense:** Ballistic missiles use rocket technology.
4. **Commercial Spaceflight:** Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are making space
travel commercial.
