Rocket Science
Rocket Science
ULA launches payloads to space aboard its Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, ranging from weather, telecommunications and national security satellites that protect and improve life on Earth to deep space and interplanetary exploration missions that further our knowledge of the universe.
Rockets, also called launch vehicles, play an important role in our lives. Rockets deliver satellites to space where they can begin to do their important work. Without rockets, we wouldn't be able to use our cell phones, watch a lot of our favorite television shows, find out the weather forecast, navigate with Global Positioning System (GPS), or explore our solar system—just to name a few.
Here's how it works—at liftoff the rocket’s powerful main engine starts and produces thrust. Thrust accelerates the rocket, with its payload, away from the launch pad. A typical rocket produces more than a million pounds of thrust that allows it to carry more than 6,000 pounds at speeds topping 22,000 miles per hour. This is equivalent to the power generated by 13 Hoover Dams, carrying the weight of eight horses, and traveling at speeds 15 times faster than a speeding bullet!
After leaving Earth's atmosphere, the launch vehicle delivers its payload to the desired orbit or on its desired trajectory. Once properly placed, the payload can begin to do the work that makes all of our lives easier, more fun, and helps us to learn more about our planet, our solar system, and our universe.
2023 STEM Challenges
Atlas V Classroom Challenge
Deadline for submissions: October 31
Click here for additional challenge details and resources
Build Your Own Vulcan Classroom Challenge
Deadline for submissions: April 24
Rocket Terminology
Jettison - to discard, to cast off
Liftoff - the instant when a rocket begins flight
Orbit - path of a satellite or spacecraft as it flies around Earth or another Planet
Satellite - object launch to orbit Earth or another planet
Spacecraft - craft capable of traveling in outer space
Thrust - the forward-directed force developed by a rocket engine
Trajectory - the path followed by an object moving through space
Rocket Size Comparison
Atlas V comparison with the Statue of Liberty in New York City, NY.
Vulcan Centaur comparison with the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Delta IV Heavy comparison with the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Delta II comparison with the White House in Washington, D.C.
