Flight and Space Exploration Instructor: Carl Knowlen, Aeronautics and Astronautics Basic elements of aircraft flight, rocket propulsion, space travel, and contemporary space missions will be presented and coordinated with laboratory activities to help foster a deeper understanding of modern aerospace technologies. Events leading up to key milestones of airplane flight and space exploration will be reviewed in the context of the issues of the times. Hands-on laboratories include the use of flight simulators, balsa wood airplane construction and flying, water-bottle rocket construction and launching, propeller and rocket engine thrust measurement experiments, and the use of orbital mechanics software tools. Tours of the Aeronautics and Astronautics Laboratory facilities will offer opportunities to experience cutting-edge research that is currently in progress. In addition to recommended reading material, course assignments will include individual essays, laboratory worksheets, and a small group project focused on the development of a space mission to explore some part of our solar system. This course is meant for anyone with an interest in aerospace industry and the exploration of space including, but not limited to, potential majors (or minors) in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences, and students with an interest in science fiction. Meets: MTWTh 9:30-12:00
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