Rockets and Space for Young Rocketeers

Book excerpt: If you want to get into Space, how do you go about it? Space is only 62 miles away so why is it so hard to get there? The science of the forces and energies rocket scientists deal with are clearly explained with easy-to-follow diagrams. You'll find out how a rocket gets the power to overcome gravity and Drag to get into Space. You'll learn how to steer and stay alive while you're up there and various ways to design a spacecraft so it gets you back safely. The many illustrations include innovative Spaceships such as Virgin Galactic's SpaceshipTwo. To get you started with building and flying rockets, there is a practical step-by-step guide to launching a scale model using Estes rocket motors. Tips from experienced rocketeers will get your model rocket flying high and help you get it back in one piece. The final chapter is more challenging: it's full of in-depth rocket science where you learn how to design and test a large rocket engine capable of getting you into Space!