© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20051 of 58

Astronomy

Space Exploration

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20052 of 40

For thousands of years, humans have been fascinated by the night sky and what lays beyond it.

Beyond the Solar System

Watch the history of Space Exploration

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20053 of 40

The idea of feeling weightless in space and jumping many times further than you could on Earth may seem exciting, but your body needs gravity in order to remain healthy!

Gravity and Space

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20054 of 40

The use of Rockets in Space

A rocket is a tube-like object, some shaped like a paper towel roll, that is sent flying into the air when its fuel is lit on fire. These tube-like objects come in many different shapes and sizes and have many different purposes. Hundreds of years ago, the ancient Chinese used rockets as weapons and fireworks. Only about 33 years ago, the first trip to the Moon in a rocket was successful. Now, rocket scientists are coming up with new and better rockets to explore space in the future.

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20055 of 40

Forces on a Rocket

In flight, a rocket is subjected to four forces; weight, thrust, lift and drag.

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20056 of 40

Forces on a Rocket

Weight is the force generated by the gravity on the rocket.

Direction of weight

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20057 of 40

Forces on a Rocket

Lift is a force used to stabilize and control the direction of flight.

Direction of lift

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20058 of 40

Forces on a Rocket

Thrust is the force which moves the rocket forward.

Direction of thrust

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 20 © Boardworks Ltd 20059 of 40

Forces on a Rocket

Drag is the wind resistance experienced by the rocket

Direction of drag