Design a rocket.

Design should follow the engineering design process, identify safety concerns, and include the following components:

  • Engine/propulsion system
  • Materials
  • Airframe system
  • Guidance system
  • Control system
  • Recovery system

Additional considerations might include

  • payload
  • aerodynamics
  • flight stability
  • design tools used, such as software design applications.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What are the steps in the design process?
  • Why are multistage rockets necessary for space exploration?
  • What are the drawbacks to using multistage rockets?
  • What alternatives are there to multistage rockets?
  • How does the addition of a payload change the flight characteristics of a rocket?