Project X-35

The United States Authority (USA) is seeking competitive bids for a new advanced rocket launch vehicle that will reduce the cost of launching payloads into Earth's orbit. Interested companies are invited to submit proposals to USA for designing and building a rocket that will meet the following criteria. You will be working in teams of three. Each member of the team has a specific job title to help the team function effectively.

Resources

The team can find more information on rocketry at the following sites. It is important that you have a clear understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion and practical rocketry. Some of the links from these sites are in pdf format and can be downloaded and printed for further reference.

http://www.apogeerockets.com/education/

http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/bgmr.html

http://tryon.oswego.edu/pneuaeronautics/coolrocketrylinks.html?cache=3796492877

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/bottlerocket/index.htm

The Task

1. Design and draw a bottle rocket plan to scale (1 square=2cm).
2. Develop a budget for the project and stay within the budget allowed.
3. Build a test rocket using the budget and plans developed by your team.
4. Identify rocket specifications and evaluate rocket stability by determining center of mass and center of pressure by conducting a swing test.
5. Display fully illustrated rocket design in class. Include dimensional information, location of center of mass, center of pressure, and flight information (time aloft and altitude reached)
6. Successfully test launch rocket achieving maximum vertical distance and accuracy.
7. Accurately complet rocket journal.
8. Develop a cost analysis and demonstrate the most economically efficient launch.

Proposed deadline: Two (2) weeks. Download checklist here.

Job Titles
Each group member must accept one position with specific tasks to help their team function successfully. All team members will assist with design, construction, launch and paper work.

Project Manager:
Oversees the Project and keeps others on task. This is the only person who can communicate with the teacher.

Budget Director:
Keeps accurate account of money and expenses and pays bills. Must sign all checks.

Design and Launch Director:
Supervises design and construction of rocket. Directs others during launch.

The Schedule
The following schedule is meant to help you meet due dates. If you complete the proposed tasks ahead of schedule move to the tasks for the next day.

Day 1

• Form rocket companies.
• Brainstorm ideas for design and budget. Use links above as resources.
• Sketch preliminary rocket design.

Day 2

• Develop materials and budget list.
• Develop scale drawing.

Day 3

• Requisition materials and begin construction.

Day 4

• Continue construction.

Day 5

• Complete construction.

Day 6

• Attend demonstration on determining center of mass and pressure.
• Locate center of mass and center of pressure.
• Introduction of rocket silhouette construction and begin rocket analysis.

Day 7

• Finish silhouette construction and complete prelaunch analysis. Hang silhouette.
• Preform swing test

Day 8

• Launch Day!

Day 9

• Complete post launch results and silhouette documentation.
• Prepare journal for collection
• All documentation due at the beginning of tomorrow's class.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on documentation of three designated areas:

• Project journal 50%
• Silhouette 25%
• Launch results 25%

Click here to see the rubric that will be used for your final grade.