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The Basics of Rocket Science

The Basics of Rocket Science

This course is part of Rocket Science 101 Specialization

Instructor: Aaron Ridley

5,860 already enrolled

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

45 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

45 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Describe different orbits and how spacecraft can use orbit changes to get from one place to another
Determine how much rocket fuel is needed to lift different rockets off the ground and put them into orbit
Describe the costs and benefits of different types of rocket engines and designs

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

20 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Rocket Science 101 Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

Why are rockets so big? Is there gravity in space? How does a rocket engine even work? In this course, you’ll explore the major concepts of rocket science, including orbital dynamics, velocity, and different types of engines that help propel a rocket out of Earth’s atmosphere. Determine how rocket scientists use formulas and Newton’s laws to propel rockets off the ground and accelerate them to their destination. Explore how and why rockets have stages, including how rocket scientists choose between solid and liquid engines for rockets. With The Basics of Rocket Science, you’ll even get an inside look at how we might get humans to Mars, an advancement in rocket science that could change humanity's future.

Module details

Welcome to the first module of the Basics of Rocket Science course, where we will dive into the fundamental concepts of motion and forces. In this module, we will cover a range of topics, including position, velocity, and acceleration, Newton's Laws and Rocket Science, and the critical concept of thrust. Whether you are an aspiring rocket scientist, aerospace engineer, or simply a curious mind eager to explore the mysteries of space, this module will provide you with a solid foundation to understand the key concepts of motion and forces in the world of rocket science. So, let's strap in and get ready for an exciting journey into the basics of rocket science!

What's included

11 videos3 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

11 videosTotal 100 minutes

Welcome to Rocket Science 1013 minutes
What is Position, Velocity, and Acceleration?5 minutes
What is a Vector?8 minutes
Ballistic Motion9 minutes
Newton's 3 Laws10 minutes
What is Momentum and Why does it Matter?11 minutes
Aside: Everything is Relative8 minutes
The Basics of Thrust11 minutes
Introduction to the Rocket Equation14 minutes
Why do Rockets have Stages?14 minutes
Optional/Bonus | One More Thing for This Week: The V2 The First Modern Ballistic Missile8 minutes

3 readingsTotal 12 minutes

Syllabus7 minutes
Help Us Learn More About You!5 minutes
Extra Resources: Motion & Forces0 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 30 minutes

Week 1 Quiz: Motion & Forces15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Position, Velocity, and Acceleration5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Newton's Laws5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Thrust5 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 5 minutes

Meet your Fellow Learners 5 minutes

Welcome to the second module of the Basics of Rocket Science course, where we will delve into the fascinating world of orbits. In this module, we will cover a range of topics, including what an orbit is, escape velocity, and the different types of orbits that exist. So, get ready to discover the mysteries of orbits and the incredible technology that makes it all possible. Let's dive in!

What's included

13 videos1 reading6 assignments

13 videosTotal 117 minutes

The Fundamental Concepts of an Orbit7 minutes
Kepler's Laws10 minutes
Our Place in the Solar System: Where Do We Live?—Part 113 minutes
Our Place in the Solar System: Where Do We Live?—Part 214 minutes
What is Escape Velocity6 minutes
Escaping vs. Landing7 minutes
A Lot of Types of Orbits Are Out There14 minutes
Optional/Bonus: Orbit Demonstration5 minutes
Hohmann Transfers to Circle the Sun6 minutes
Why Don't We Throw our Garbage into the Sun?5 minutes
Lagrange Points: What Are They?11 minutes
Getting to Mars9 minutes
Optional/Bonus | One More Thing for This Week: Sun Synchronous Orbits11 minutes

1 reading

Extra Resources: Basics of Orbits0 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 40 minutes

Week 2 Quiz: Basics of Orbits15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Orbits5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Our Place in the Solar System5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Escape Velocity5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Types of Orbits5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Knowledge Check: Lagrange Points 5 minutes

Welcome to the third module of the Basics of Rocket Science course, where we will explore the fascinating world of rocket engines. In this module, we will cover a range of topics, including mass flow rate vs. exhaust velocity, jet engines, solid engines, and liquid engines. By the end of this module, you will have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of rocket engines and how they are critical to modern technology and space exploration. So, get ready to dive into the world of rocket engines and discover the incredible technology that makes space exploration possible. Let's blast off!

What's included

13 videos1 reading5 assignments

13 videosTotal 142 minutes

Mass Flow Rate vs. Exhaust Velocity8 minutes
Chemistry and Physics of Exhaust Velocity12 minutes
Sizing a Rocket13 minutes
Basics of Jet Engines14 minutes
Vehicles that Use Jet Engines10 minutes
Where is the Edge of Space?13 minutes
Basics of Solid Engines11 minutes
Solid Engine Grain Patterns7 minutes
More on Boosters8 minutes
Basics of Liquid Engines11 minutes
Cooling the Bell + Pumps14 minutes
Nozzle Designs10 minutes
Optional/Bonus | One More Thing for This Week: Choosing the Right Engine11 minutes

1 reading

Extra Resources: Basics of Rocket Engines0 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 35 minutes

Week 3 Quiz: Basics of Rocket Engines15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Mass Flow Rate vs. Exhaust Velocity5 minutes
Knowledge Check: MJet Engines5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Solid Engines5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Liquid Engines5 minutes

Welcome to the fourth and final module of the Basics of Rocket Science course, where we will explore the exciting future of rocket science. In this module, we will cover a range of topics, including electric engines, big guns and lasers, other engines such as nuclear, and going to Mars and back. By the end of this module, you will have a deep understanding of the future of rocket science and how it will shape our understanding of the universe and our place in it. So, get ready to explore the cutting edge of rocket science and discover the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Let's embark on this final journey together!