Sources to learn about Rocket Science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding resources for learning about rocket science, particularly for a 15-year-old interested in a project on rockets and microrockets. Participants share various sources, including websites, articles, and competitions, while addressing different aspects of rocket science such as launch mechanics and propulsion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn about rocket science and seeks recommendations for resources suitable for a young learner.
  • Another participant suggests that classical mechanics provides a solid foundation for understanding rocket science and shares general resource links.
  • A participant recommends starting with launch and orbital mechanics, providing links to NASA resources and a site focused on propulsion.
  • Several participants inquire specifically about microrockets and share various sources, including TED talks and specific websites related to microrockets.
  • Links to a rocketry forum and articles about mini-thrusters are provided as potential resources for further exploration.
  • One participant mentions a rocketry competition for high school students, suggesting it as a way to engage with the subject and possibly find mentorship.
  • Another participant shares a personal anecdote about involvement in rocketry and encourages hands-on experience with launching rockets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in classical mechanics and the value of various resources for learning about rocket science. However, there is no consensus on specific sources for microrockets, as different participants suggest various links and approaches.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the challenge of finding specific information on microrockets, indicating that searches may yield unrelated results. The discussion includes a mix of beginner-level resources and personal experiences, which may vary in relevance to the original inquiry.

Willelm
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I know calculus, multivariable calculus and classical mechanics.
So, I'm thinking about doing a project about rockets, so I'm looking for sources to learn about Rocket Science.
Do you know good sources, like courses, books... for a 15 years old?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
here or here google lists a whole bunch of sites. Pick one you like. For the physics, google some more.
The saying "it's not rocket science" to indicate that the target area is simple gives the impression that rocket science is very high-brow. It isn't. Your classical mechanics is a real good basis.

(All assuming you won't be able to play with real rocket fuel in your project)
 
Ok, thanks for your sources! But, I want to do a project about Microrockets. Do you know any sources about this? I'll be very very gratefull.
 
I'll be so gratefull for any source about Micro-rockets, becouse when I search about this in Google some strange things about biology appears!
I've seen the TEDed talk about Micro-rockets.
 
how about this?
http://rocketcontest.org/

It seems like it's an american rocketry competition for high school students and even Obama attended.

Scroll down and you can see the map with all the locations of the teams, look for a participating team near your location and click on the dot to get the contact information.
 
  • #10
Formagella said:
how about this?
http://rocketcontest.org/

It seems like it's an american rocketry competition for high school students and even Obama attended.

Scroll down and you can see the map with all the locations of the teams, look for a participating team near your location and click on the dot to get the contact information.
Yes, do try to see if there is a TARC team near you…or start one! And you may find a team, or graduates thereof, who will mentor you. Where are you located?

Our Girl Scout troop started this a few years back and now one of the girls will be going to college for Aeronautical Engineering. They qualified for Nationals twice, in Virginia, hundreds of smart folks blasting rockets-SO SO cool!

Once upon a time I got interested in building speakers-I pursued it obsessively, to the point of photocopying an 8" stack of journal articles at a university and then reading and trying to understand everything.

this magazine might be of interest:
www.nar.org/SPR/

Somehow, read all the books you can and try to shoot off actual rockets as much as you can. Good luck!
 

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