The Basics of Rocket Science

The Basics of Rocket Science

This course is part of Rocket Science 101 Specialization

Instructor: Aaron Ridley

Access provided by PALC Dev

5,205 already enrolled

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

42 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.

42 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

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This course is part of the Rocket Science 101 Specialization

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

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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.

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 videos Total 100 minutes

Welcome to Rocket Science 101 3 minutes
What is Position, Velocity, and Acceleration? 5 minutes
What is a Vector? 8 minutes
Ballistic Motion 9 minutes
Newton's 3 Laws 10 minutes
What is Momentum and Why does it Matter? 11 minutes
Aside: Everything is Relative 8 minutes
The Basics of Thrust 11 minutes
Introduction to the Rocket Equation 14 minutes
Why do Rockets have Stages? 14 minutes
Optional/Bonus | One More Thing for This Week: The V2 The First Modern Ballistic Missile 8 minutes

3 readings Total 12 minutes

Syllabus 7 minutes
Help Us Learn More About You! 5 minutes
Extra Resources: Motion & Forces 0 minutes

4 assignments Total 30 minutes

Week 1 Quiz: Motion & Forces 15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Position, Velocity, and Acceleration 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Newton's Laws 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Thrust 5 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 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 videos Total 117 minutes

The Fundamental Concepts of an Orbit 7 minutes
Kepler's Laws 10 minutes
Our Place in the Solar System: Where Do We Live?—Part 1 13 minutes
Our Place in the Solar System: Where Do We Live?—Part 2 14 minutes
What is Escape Velocity 6 minutes
Escaping vs. Landing 7 minutes
A Lot of Types of Orbits Are Out There 14 minutes
Optional/Bonus: Orbit Demonstration 5 minutes
Hohmann Transfers to Circle the Sun 6 minutes
Why Don't We Throw our Garbage into the Sun? 5 minutes
Lagrange Points: What Are They? 11 minutes
Getting to Mars 9 minutes
Optional/Bonus | One More Thing for This Week: Sun Synchronous Orbits 11 minutes

1 reading

Extra Resources: Basics of Orbits 0 minutes

6 assignments Total 40 minutes

Week 2 Quiz: Basics of Orbits 15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Orbits 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Our Place in the Solar System 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Escape Velocity 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Types of Orbits 5 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 videos Total 142 minutes

Mass Flow Rate vs. Exhaust Velocity 8 minutes
Chemistry and Physics of Exhaust Velocity 12 minutes
Sizing a Rocket 13 minutes
Basics of Jet Engines 14 minutes
Vehicles that Use Jet Engines 10 minutes
Where is the Edge of Space? 13 minutes
Basics of Solid Engines 11 minutes
Solid Engine Grain Patterns 7 minutes
More on Boosters 8 minutes
Basics of Liquid Engines 11 minutes
Cooling the Bell + Pumps 14 minutes
Nozzle Designs 10 minutes
Optional/Bonus | One More Thing for This Week: Choosing the Right Engine 11 minutes

1 reading

Extra Resources: Basics of Rocket Engines 0 minutes

5 assignments Total 35 minutes

Week 3 Quiz: Basics of Rocket Engines 15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Mass Flow Rate vs. Exhaust Velocity 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: MJet Engines 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Solid Engines 5 minutes
Knowledge Check: Liquid Engines 5 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!