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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

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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?

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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