Air Force Junior ROTC How to be a Rocket Scientist  Rocket Workshop

What you need for your badge  Build your rocket  Pass a safety and knowledge test  2 successful launches and 1 recoveries

Model Rocketry, The What  A small scale version of larger military & civilian rockets  Made of plastics, balsa wood.  Powered by small engines  Obtain heights from 300 to 2000 ft.

Rocket Workshop  How do rockets work?  Curriculum links and possible activities  Flying model rockets –Costs, sources –Regulations –Flight instructions –Safety  Building a rocket  Flying rockets on soccer field (time and weather permitting)

Thrust Is What We Need!  Rockets do not “push” against anything –If they did, how would they work in space?  Law of conservation of momentum –Comes from Newton’s laws of motion  Δm is small, but the exhaust gas is hot, so momentum change is large..

What can you do?  Simple measurements of altitude –Using triangulation –Video of flight  Measure velocity and acceleration –Frame capture/video  Launch and recover an egg  Take aerial photos  Fly some electronics –e.g. Altitude vs. time measurement  Earn a rocket badge

Regulations  Rocket motors up to and including E – class are unregulated –We will be flying A, B, and C engines –i.e. No license required –You can fly these anywhere, within the bounds of common sense –But take note of safety codes

Basic model rocket

Rocket Engines

Rocket Preparation

Rocket Preparation Rocket Preparation

Safety Code 1.Launch Site - launch model rockets outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees, power lines, building and dry brush and grass. Launch site will be at recommended size for applicable engine. 2.Launcher - launch model rocket from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until the model rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. 3.To prevent accidental eye injury, always place the launcher so the end of the rod is above eye level or cap the end of the rod when approaching it. Cap or disassemble launch rod when not in use, never store it in an upright position. If cap is lost an empty plastic soda bottle will be placed over rod whenever not in use. 4.Launcher will have a jet deflector device to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. Always clear the area around launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, or other easy-to-burn materials 4.Launcher - will have a jet deflector device to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. Always clear the area around launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, or other easy-to-burn materials

Safety Code 5.Ignition System - The system will be remotely controlled, electrically operated and will contain a launching switch that will return to off when released. The system will contain removable safety interlock in series with the launch switch. All persons will remain at least 15 feet (5 meters) from the model rocket. 6.Launch Safety - Ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending model rocket launch and can see the model rocket’s liftoff before beginning an audible five-second countdown. If rocket suffers a misfire, do not approach it or the launcher until the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system. Wait one minute after a misfire before approaching the launcher. 7.Flying Conditions - Launch rockets only when the wind is less than 20 miles (30 kilometers) an hour. Do not launch rockets into clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property. 8.Launching Angle - Launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. 9.Recovery Hazards - If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, do not attempt to retrieve it. 10.Follow instructions!