Explain the parts of a rocket.
Important Points to Remember in Chapter -1 - Universe and Space Science from Tamil Nadu Board Standard Eight Science Solutions
1. Rocket:
(i) Rocket: It is a vehicle, which propels itself by ejecting a part of its mass.
(ii) There are four major parts or systems in a rocket. They are structural system, payload system, guidance system and propulsion system.
2. Propellant:
(i) It is a chemical substance that can undergo combustion to produce pressurized gases whose energy is utilized to move a rocket against the gravitational force of attraction.
(ii) Propellants can be solid, liquid and cryogenic.
3. Launch Vehicles:
The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) rockets are India's popular rockets.
4. India's Space Programmes:
(i) Chandrayaan-1: This satellite was launched on 22nd October 2008 from Sathish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh with the help of PSLV rocket to study about the Moon.
(ii) Mangalyaan: A space probe launched by ISRO on 5th November 2013 to orbit Mars orbit. It was launched by the PSLV Rocket from Sriharikota, Andra pradesh. This is India’s first interplanetary mission.
(iii) Chandrayaan – 2: Launched by ISRO on 22nd July 2019. It aims to explore South Pole of the Moon.
5. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration):
(i) NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established on 1st October 1958.
(ii) Apollo missions: These missions made American Astronauts to land on the Moon. Apollo-8 was the first manned mission to go to the Moon. Apollo-11 was the first 'Man Landing Mission' to the moon.
