Rocket Propulsion

Project Objective:
The purpose of this project was to demonstrate our understanding of rocket physics by designing, simulating, building, and launching a model rocket. We used OpenRocket to test different designs virtually, then applied that data to build an Estes rocket that we could launch and analyze in real time.
Design/Project Process:
We started by creating multiple rocket models using OpenRocket, adjusting features like fins, mass, and engine types to see how each change affected the flight path. After finalizing our design, we constructed the actual rocket using Estes materials. Launch day included engine testing, data collection, and documenting the flight. We then put together a slide deck to summarize our process, results, and any adjustments made along the way.
What I Learned:
I learned how to apply data from simulations to real-world builds, and how rocket staging and impulse graphs are used to calculate and predict flight behavior. This helped me understand why rockets are designed with different burn stages, and how each stage affects velocity and altitude. I also improved my time management and teamwork skills while working with a new partner under tight deadlines.
Personal Reflection:
Compared to the Glider Project, this one felt more structured because we had a clear set of steps and a reliable model to work from. What made it valuable, though, was how much we focused on interpreting data and using it to predict flight results. I started thinking more like an engineer—using math and testing to make decisions, not just trial and error. It also helped me imagine how more complex rockets could be designed using multi-stage systems and advanced controls like remote parachute deployment. This project gave me a solid foundation for working on more advanced aerospace systems.