3.
3

Pages

1Where is Mars?2How long will it take to get to Mars?3Getting to Mars4How do rockets get off the ground?5Producing Thrust6What happens when rocket fuel burns?7Your mission to Mars!8Our need for oxygen9How oxygen gets to our cells10The effects of gravity11How low gravity affects bones12Preventing bones and muscles from becoming weak13Living and working in space14What do astronomers know about Mars?15A space-craft view of Mars16Exploring Mars17Energy for exploration18The rocky surface of Mars19More about the surface of Mars20The Martian atmosphere21The importance of water22The water cycle on Earth23Is there water on Mars?24Surviving on Mars25Your Martian home26Farming on Mars27Soil on Mars28Plants for Mars29Getting energy on Mars30Where will you go next?

Practicals

1Modelling the solar system in the school yard2Rocket Practical3Investigate the Energy in Fuels4Making a Telescope5What factors affect the output of a solar cell?6Modelling Diffusion7Examining Slides of Blood8What bones are like without calcium salts9Flame Test to Identify Metals10The Different States of Water11Water Purification for Human Consumption12Factors Affecting Germination13Solar Cells for Devices14Mars Bingo
+ _

As you have discovered, Mars is many millions of miles away from Earth, a very long way away! It is not easy to travel such distances, but many spacecraft have already reached Mars (though none have ever carried people). One example is the NASA Mars Science Laboratory which contained the 'Curiosity' rover (robot car) that has been exploring Mars.

The first step on this long journey is for the spacecraft to be launched into space, and this happens with the help of rockets.

What is a rocket and why is it needed?

To find out, read on!

A rocket is used to lift a spacecraft off the Earth and carry it into space. Rockets are very big, much bigger than the spacecraft (or other 'payloads') they carry.

An image of a rocket

Credit to: NASA

QR Code / Côd QR

Click this box or use the QR code above to see pictures of all the Apollo rockets used by NASA in the USA

More Information!

Do you want to know about the history of rockets at NASA?

Find Out More >

Activity: Labelling Exercise

Drag the numbers on the right hand side to the right parts of the rocket

Labellable rocket image
1
PayloadA 'Payload' is something carried by a rocket. This could be a space craft, a missile, or a module containing astronauts
2
PropulsionThe 'Propulsion System' makes sure that the rocket is 'propelled' or launched into space: this is the part where the fuel is stored, and eventually burns up
3
GuidanceThe 'Guidance System' ensures that the rocket moves in the right direction.
4
StructureThe 'structure system' means the basic structure and shape of the rocket.
  • The top part is called a 'nose cone' and is very pointy, or streamlined. This is important because it reduces resistance to movement.
  • The structure is often made of metals like aluminium which are relatively lightweight. This makes the rocket easier to lift off the ground, which would be a difficult task if the rocket was built using heavy metals like steel.
  • Space-faring rockets need to be very big in order to carry all the fuel needed