Rocket Program - Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the rocket program?
The rocket program is a program at North Carolina State University to bring model rocketry into local primary and secondary schools. NCSU student members of Sigma Gamma Tau, the national aerospace honor society, visit schools to talk about, build, and launch model rockets.
• How much time does the program take?
Generally the Sigma Gamma Tau members will visit a school one class period a day for three days. On the first day, the members talk a little bit about rockets and aerospace engineering, and then help the students begin building the rockets. The second day is used to complete construction of the rockets. On the third day, weather permitting, the rockets are launched.
• What do you talk to the students about on the first day?
Depending on the grade level of the students, we can talk about anything from basic parts of a rocket, the physics of rocket thrust, spacecraft stability and control, etc. The teacher may have requests for specific subjects related to current classroom topics. We can also talk about the educational path for aerospace engineers and what types of tasks may be encountered in the day-to-day life of an engineer.
• What kind of rockets are used?
The program uses simple, starter-level model rockets with small solid-fuel engines. The rockets are in a kit form and are constructed using SuperGlue and common classroom tools (scissors, X-acto knives, etc.). The rockets have parachutes or streamers to enable their safe return to earth after launch.
• Does the school have to provide the rockets?
As a student organization, Sigma Gamma Tau has limited finances and a limited ability to purchase rockets. We try to find funding which allows us to purchase rockets for this program. If schools are able to provide the rockets for their students, this allows Sigma Gamma Tau to get out to more schools and introduce more students to model rocketry.

If a school is not able to provide rockets for their students, Sigma Gamma Tau may be able to provide some rockets as its funding allows. Depending on the number of requests received, it may not be possible to visit all schools. For the schools that can be visited, it may be necessary to provide one rocket for every team of 4-5 students. Although this is less than optimal, it allows us to reach 4-5 times more students with our limited funding.

• If the school provides rockets, what type is best?
The best type of rocket to purchase is a simple, starter-level rocket that is easy to build. Kits with die-cut fins save time in construction. In the past we have had success with the Estes Wizard rocket and A8-3 engines. Educator packs of these rockets and engines are available from a number of sources, including the web sites www.hobbylinc.com and www.towerhobbies.com.
• How much space is needed to launch the rockets?
Depending on wind conditions, an open area about half the size of a soccer field can be used for launching. If there is more than a very small amount of wind, the required area can increase dramatically. Wind affects the rocket a small amount as it ascends, but a much larger amount as it drifts slowly back to earth.
• Who can I contact regarding this program?
You can contact the student president of Sigma Gamma Tau, Craig Cox, or the faculty adviser, Dr. Kara Peters. If these addresses do not work, the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at (919) 515-2365 can provide you with current contact information for Sigma Gamma Tau.

Last updated -- 2/26/2007