Rocket Science for Everyone

This course is an intuitive introduction to rocket science in our everyday lives. Modern life increasingly depends on technology provided by Earth-orbiting satellites, from detailed weather predictions to broad-band internet and GPS. How are satellites launched into orbit and how do they work once they get there? Why are rockets used to get into orbit and how are they different from airplanes? This introductory course is aimed at a wide non-technical audience and is appropriate for all ages.

• Understand where satellites orbit around the Earth, defining different regions where satellites such as GPS and communication satellites orbit
• Explore the different components that make up a satellite's payload, including how satellites generate electricity and communicate with Earth
• Understand how rockets work, exploring liquid versus solid rockets and rocket staging