The RocketScience project was developed by the Tulsa Rocketry Club to offer launch services for small student-developed science experiments. Participating schools gain no-cost access to payload space on a large high-power payload rocket developed by Tulsa Rocketry.
Goals of the RocketScience project include:
- Develop and launch a payload rocket carrying student experiments to an altitude of 1 mile and return the payloads for post-flight analysis
- Provide the opportunity for interested students to develop airborne science experiments.
- Expose high-school students to science and engineering challenges involved in developing airborne science payloads.
- Help students develop project management skills necessary to succeed in aerospace and/or engineering career fields.
- Provide a community service by offering rocketry expertise to high school science classes.
The payload rocket was developed by members of Tulsa Rocketry and is capable of carrying 9 payload canisters per flight. The rocket is 10 inches in diameter, stands over 9 feet tall and weighs 52 pounds in flight trim. Depending on the rocket motor configuration, the rocket is capable of achieving altitudes between 5,000 and 10,000 feet.
The next flight of the Tulsa Rocketry Club's 'RocketScience' payload rocket, carrying student-developed science payloads, is scheduled for liftoff at
the May club launch at the
launch site near Leonard, OK. The rocket is projected to reach an altitude of 1 mile.
The student designed payloads must follow the published Payload Guidelines
and fit within the provided payload canister. (Some ideas are listed here.)
The 2008 payloads and results are listed here.
Payload modules for the initial RocketScience flight are being developed by students from Sperry
Sand Springs and Union school systems. Any other
schools that would like to participate can contact: at 918-760-9754.
Student experiments carried on-board the rocket will be exposed to multiple forces during flight:
- Approximately +5 Gs at launch.
- Approximately -5 Gs at rocket motor burnout
- Zero-g for a few seconds at apogee, the peak of the rocket’s flight.
The payload may also be exposed to:
- Multiple forms of vibration
- Roll rates of up to 1 cycle per second.
- Ambient temperature drop of 3 to 5 degrees per 1000 feet of altitude
Students must take these factors into consideration when designing a payload experiment.
Tulsa Rocketry has made RocketScience an annual event. Teachers interested in participating or
learning more about the project can contact at 918-760-9754.
For the latest information and launch updates, as well as
maps and directions to the launch site, visit the Tulsa Rocketry website at
www.TulsaRocketry.org. Also note that you can get
RocketScience logo gear at the RocketScience
Store.
Photos from the some of the build sessions for this project:
Copyright © 2007, Tulsa Rocketry
Page last modified Friday, May 09, 2008
RocketScience Project
