Rocket Science Principles

A practical introduction to how rockets lift off, stay stable, stage efficiently, and reach orbit. Learn the physics, engineering tradeoffs, and mission decisions behind real launch vehicles.

4 sections ยท 8 lessons

Course outline

Forces and Motion

  1. Thrust From Exhaust
  2. Forces During Liftoff
  3. Diagnose a Pad Abort

Propulsion Performance

  1. Specific Impulse
  2. The Rocket Equation
  3. Choose an Upper Stage

Vehicle Architecture

  1. Why Rockets Stage
  2. Stability and Control

Launch to Orbit

  1. Max Q and Trajectory
  2. Space Versus Orbit

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