Egg+Astronaut

Description:
Design and build a rocket with a fragile object as the "astronaut." Can you launch and return it safely to earth? The test flight with 50g of BBs showed we cannot safely launch that much mass and still have time to deploy the parachute. Instead of an egg we will launch and return cherry tomatoes. Another good suggestion is quail egg. Other suggestions were army man, Peep, chocolate egg, light bulb, and an ornament. media type="file" key="Rocket Test Launch.mov"

Members:
> All students can do this. Work in pairs.

Current Tasks:

 * 1) Collect good (thin corrugated) cardboard pieces

Preparation Information:

 * Average mass of medium egg ~ 50g
 * Design with weight in mind - keep it to a minimum. Don't over use glue.
 * Some cardboard in Sci Lecture Room
 * Engine Mounts: remember rockets will probably need to fly twice - the second time with the real egg. So you can't just glue an engine in the base of the rocket body, because you can't remove it to install a new engine.
 * Think about your rocket body diameter. It can't be too thin, otherwise the parachute won't fit inside or will get crumpled and won't eject/open. It can't be too large (fat), otherwise the rocket may not be stable in flight.
 * The center of mass (balance point) needs to be above the engine. This should be OK with an egg in the top.
 * A parachute made from a plastic shopping bag and kite string has worked in the past.

Materials Needed and Cost Estimates:
Estes rocket engines (w/ igniters & wadding): 2 per group = 22 engines. Cost ~$9 per 3-pack. About $70. Construction paper White glue Kite string Tape Hot Glue Guns and glue sticks Plastic shopping bags Straws

6V lantern battery Alligator Clips (2) Lamp cord, __>__20' length Bricks (2)