University of Michigan - The Basics of Rocket Science
- Offered byCoursera
The Basics of Rocket Science at Coursera Overview
Duration | 3 hours |
Total fee | Free |
Mode of learning | Online |
Official Website | Explore Free Course  |
Credential | Certificate |
The Basics of Rocket Science at Coursera Highlights
- Earn a certificate after completion of the course
- Assessment and quizzes
- Financial aid available
The Basics of Rocket Science at Coursera Course details
- What you'll learn
- Describe different orbits and how spacecraft can use orbit changes to get from one place to another
- Determine how much rocket fuel is needed to lift different rockets off the ground and put them into orbit
- Describe the costs and benefits of different types of rocket engines and designs
- Why are rockets so big Is there gravity in space? How does a rocket engine even work? In this course, you'll explore the major concepts of rocket science, including orbital dynamics, velocity, and different types of engines that help propel a rocket out of Earth's atmosphere. Determine how rocket scientists use formulas and Newton's laws to propel rockets off the ground and accelerate them to their destination. Explore how and why rockets have stages, including how rocket scientists choose between solid and liquid engines for rockets. With The Basics of Rocket Science, you'll even get an inside look at how we might get humans to Mars, an advancement in rocket science that could change humanity's future.
The Basics of Rocket Science at Coursera Curriculum
Week 1: Motion & Forces
Welcome to Rocket Science 101
What is Position, Velocity, and Acceleration?
What is a Vector?
Ballistic Motion
Newton's 3 Laws
What is Momentum and Why does it Matter?
Aside: Everything is Relative
The Basics of Thrust
Introduction to the Rocket Equation
Why do Rockets have Stages?
Optional/Bonus
One More Thing for This Week: The V2 The First Modern Ballistic Missile
Syllabus
Help Us Learn More About You!
Extra Resources: Motion & Forces
Week 1 Quiz: Motion & Forces
Knowledge Check: Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
Knowledge Check: Newton's Laws
Knowledge Check: Thrust
Meet your Fellow Learners
Week 2: Basics of Orbits
The Fundamental Concepts of an Orbit
Kepler's Laws
Our Place in the Solar System: Where Do We Live?—Part 1
Our Place in the Solar System: Where Do We Live?—Part 2
What is Escape Velocity
Escaping vs. Landing
A Lot of Types of Orbits Are Out There
Optional/Bonus: Orbit Demonstration
Hohmann Transfers to Circle the Sun
Why Don't We Throw our Garbage into the Sun?
Lagrange Points: What Are They?
Getting to Mars
Optional/Bonus
One More Thing for This Week: Sun Synchronous Orbits
Extra Resources: Basics of Orbits
Week 2 Quiz: Basics of Orbits
Knowledge Check: Orbits
Knowledge Check: Our Place in the Solar System
Knowledge Check: Escape Velocity
Knowledge Check: Types of Orbits
Knowledge Check: Knowledge Check: Lagrange Points
Week 3: Basics of Rocket Engines
Mass Flow Rate vs. Exhaust Velocity
Chemistry and Physics of Exhaust Velocity
Sizing a Rocket
Basics of Jet Engines
Vehicles that Use Jet Engines
Where is the Edge of Space?
Basics of Solid Engines
Solid Engine Grain Patterns
More on Boosters
Basics of Liquid Engines
Cooling the Bell + Pumps
Nozzle Designs
Optional/Bonus
One More Thing for This Week: Choosing the Right Engine
Extra Resources: Basics of Rocket Engines
Week 3 Quiz: Basics of Rocket Engines
Knowledge Check: Mass Flow Rate vs. Exhaust Velocity
Knowledge Check: MJet Engines
Knowledge Check: Solid Engines
Knowledge Check: Liquid Engines
Week 4: The Future of Rocket Science
Introduction to Plasmas
Plasma Thrusters
Can we Use a Big Gun to Get to Space?
The Math of a Big Gun
Can we Use a Laser to Get to Space?
A Primer to Nuclear Engines
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators
Hybrid Engines
Other Engine Designs
Going to Mars: One of the Perspectives
Going to Mars: What Could We Do Better?
Optional/Bonus
Going to Mars: Working Through the Math
One More Thing for This Week: A Look Back on Basics of Rocket Science
Extra Resources: The Future of Rocket Science
Post-Course Survey
Week 4 Quiz: The Future of Rocket Science
Knowledge Check: Electric Engines
Knowledge Check: Big Guns + Lasers
Knowledge Check: Other Engines
Knowledge Check: Getting to Mars and Back
Who Will Go to Mars?
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