PART 2: Launch vehicle 1) Introduction : A) Open this file and save it in your directory, follow the instructions below. B) Watch this video (0 to 1min03s) and answer to questions. Give the words for each definition : Definition when a rocket began to climb skyward from the ground. when you count backwards Word Launch vehicle Why do we send anything into space? Give some reasons. C) Watch this video (1min03 to 2min16s) and answerto questions. How spacecraft are assembled and transported to the launch pad? To work on the spacecraft, engineers must be in a cleanroom. Why and what precautions they must take before working? How does he call the suit they wear? D) Watch this video (2min16 to 3min36s) and answer to questions. Give parameters to choose the type of rocket. How many ways are there to send a spacecraft? Give your opinion about launching a space mission. Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 1
E) Watch this video that shows how to escape Earth's gravity and set a spacecrasft on its course for Mars. Open the website : talking about the "Launch vehicle" Answer to the questions : Read summary : (NASA JPL) 1. What is the function of a launch vehicle? 2. What is the velocity to escape the earth's gravity? 3. What is the important parameter to consider when you must make a choice of launch vehicles? 4. Are Deltas a reusable launch vehicle? 2) Focus on launch vehicle : A) Match the nouns with the drawing below (read page 25): Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 2
B) Match the different stages to their definition ( ) Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 definition Is used to insert the second and third stage spacecraft stack into a low Earth orbit. To leave earth orbit and inject spacecraft on a trajectory to Mars Contains fuel and oxidizer necessary for the ascent C) Read launch sequences and page 24 to 27, watch again the video then match the nouns from the grey box with the corresponding images: [6 Boosters Jettison] [Stage 3 burnout] [MER Spacecraft separation] [Main Engine Cutoff] [Separation stage 1] [Fairing Jettison] [Liftoff] [Stage 2 cutoff- Spinning the stage 3] [Stage 2 Ignition] [Stage 3 ignition] [3 last boosters Jettison] [Separtion stage 2 and 3] 1 2 3 Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 D) What is the correct chronological order? (1...12) Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 4
Questions How many solid fuel boosters are used for the liftoff? Answers How long may last the journey for Rover A? but how can it complete his journey to Mars? Which component provides electricity on the spacecraft? E) Going further : Record your voice Teams of 2 students, write a script from the video and show it to your teacher. After corrections, record your voice which explains the launch sequences. Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 5
3) Zoom on rocket motor: A) Watch the the video twice. And match the components are mentioned? B) Watch the video twice and fill in the blanks (one blank = one word) Ending gases that are produced when fuel is burned in the combustion chamber In a liquid fuel rocket, and are stored as liquids in separate. Pipes carry the liquids to that force the propellants into the combustion chamber control the rate of flow of the propellants. The mixes with the fuel providing the oxygen necessary for it to burn and large quantities of expanding are produced. Hot gas pushes against the of the combustion chamber. Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 6
The force exerted by the gas against one of the chamber is balanced by the force exerted on the side, so there is no sideways force. However gas pressure against the of the chamber results in an unbalanced force because there is no wall of the to push against. The net force of the gas is therefore on the chamber and the rocket is. C) Read the text and place the underlined words in the following overview Principle of combustion in a rocket engine Combustion needs three things: a fuel to be burned, a source of oxygen, and a source of heat. As a result of combustion, exhausts are created and heat is released. You can control or stop the combustion process by controlling the amount of the fuel available, the amount of oxygen available, or the source of heat. D) Read the text and answer to questions: Which law we use here to define propulsions systems:... law Complete the sentence: For every action, there is an equal and opposite... Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 7
E) Read the stage 1 and answer to questions : Some data on weight and power : Rocket weights in Kg and pounds SPACECRAFT weights in kg and pounds Thrust generated by the RS-27A (launch vehicle) 1 kg = pound 1 N = pound In your opinion how do you expect the price of a launch in regard the weight transported? Smaïl Goumeziane / Lycée Georges CORMIER Page 8