ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel SmarterEveryDay Touring the Vulcan Rocket on the Launch Pad – Smarter Every Day 297
In this exciting adventure, we’re getting up close and personal with a massive rocket right on the launch pad. Not only do we get to see it up close, but we also explore its different parts. This rocket, called the Vulcan Rocket, has two types of engines: liquid and solid. These engines have been in the works for quite some time. Joining us is Tory Bruno, the CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), who is a big name in the rocket world.
In the United States, there’s a boom in aerospace development. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are building new rockets. Today, we’re focusing on the Vulcan Rocket, which is about to take its first flight. In an earlier episode, we saw how the Vulcan Rocket was built, including the parts that make it up.
The Vulcan Rocket is a big deal for ULA because they are retiring their older Delta and Atlas rockets, which have been very reliable. There’s some talk about who might own ULA in the future, but for now, the Vulcan Rocket is ready to make its mark.
Tory Bruno isn’t just a CEO; he’s really passionate about rockets. I’ve had private chats with him, and he’s super excited about the progress in the industry. This tour is extra special for me because my dad is here as the second camera operator. He has an engineering background and has worked on important projects like the James Webb Space Telescope.
We’re at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, just two days before the launch. We managed to schedule this visit early in the morning, right around sunrise, despite the windy conditions. The reveal of the rocket is truly breathtaking.
As we get closer to the Vulcan, I’m amazed by its design. There are tall towers around it to protect it from lightning, which Tory will explain later. We finally meet Tory, who is sporting a mustache today, and he leads us to the rocket.
Tory explains the lightning protection system, which consists of four towers connected by cables. The Vulcan Rocket stands at 202 feet tall and has a diameter of 18 feet. It is currently not fueled, except for the solid rocket boosters. The solid boosters are the GEM 63XL, which are longer than previous models and are designed to be more efficient.
The Vulcan Rocket will produce a significant amount of thrust, with the solid boosters providing 450,000 pounds of thrust each, and the liquid engines contributing an additional 1.1 million pounds. The rocket will weigh just under a million and a half pounds at liftoff.
Tory shares insights about the BE4 engines, which have been in development for a long time. He explains the importance of how these engines interact with the rocket and the challenges they faced during testing, including issues related to combustion stability.
As we continue our tour, Tory explains the various systems in place for the rocket’s launch, including the acoustic water suppression system designed to protect the rocket from sound energy during liftoff. We also discuss the mobile launch platform and how the rocket is assembled and transported to the launch pad.
The excitement builds as we approach the launch, and I reflect on the special moments shared with my dad throughout this experience. We also take time to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and enjoy some nostalgic moments together.
Finally, the launch occurs early in the morning, and we capture it on high-speed camera, making this experience even more memorable. Thank you for joining us on this journey to learn about the Vulcan Rocket and the incredible work being done in aerospace today.
Gather materials like cardboard, plastic bottles, and paint to create your own model of the Vulcan Rocket. Pay attention to the rocket’s features, such as the solid and liquid engines, and try to replicate them. This hands-on activity will help you understand the rocket’s design and engineering.
Research the history of rockets, focusing on the transition from the Delta and Atlas rockets to the Vulcan Rocket. Create a presentation to share with the class, highlighting key advancements and the significance of these developments in aerospace technology.
Imagine you are interviewing Tory Bruno or another expert in the field. Prepare a list of questions about the Vulcan Rocket and the challenges faced in its development. Role-play the interview with a classmate to deepen your understanding of the rocket’s features and the aerospace industry.
Using what you’ve learned about the Vulcan Rocket’s lightning protection system, design your own version for a model rocket. Consider the placement of towers and cables, and explain how your design would protect the rocket from lightning strikes.
Develop a detailed timeline of the steps involved in preparing the Vulcan Rocket for launch, from assembly to liftoff. Include descriptions of the launch systems and preparation processes, and illustrate each step with drawings or digital graphics.
In this video, we’re going to walk right up to a huge rocket on the launch pad. Not only are we going to walk up to it, but we’re also going to get a close look at its components. This rocket has two liquid engines and two solid engines, which have been in development for a long time. We’re joined by Tory Bruno, the CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), who is a well-respected figure in the rocket community.
In America, we’re experiencing a surge in aerospace development, with various companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin creating new rockets. Today, we’re focusing on the Vulcan Rocket, which is making its first flight. In a previous episode, we saw the Vulcan Rocket being manufactured, including the components that would ultimately form the rocket.
The Vulcan Rocket is particularly significant for ULA as they are retiring their Delta and Atlas class rockets, which have been reliable launch platforms. There is some speculation about the future ownership of ULA, but for now, the Vulcan Rocket is set to continue its journey.
Tory Bruno is not just a CEO; he is genuinely passionate about rockets. I’ve had private conversations with him, and he is enthusiastic about advancements in the industry. This tour is special for me because my dad is joining us as the second camera operator. He has a background in engineering and has worked on significant projects like the James Webb Space Telescope.
We are at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, just two days before the launch. We managed to schedule this visit early in the morning, right around sunrise, despite the windy conditions. The reveal of the rocket is truly breathtaking.
As we approach the Vulcan, I am struck by its impressive design. There are large lightning protection system towers surrounding the rocket, which Tory will explain later. We finally find Tory, who is sporting a mustache today, and he leads us to the rocket.
Tory explains the lightning protection system, which consists of four towers connected by cables. The Vulcan Rocket stands at 202 feet tall and has a diameter of 18 feet. It is currently not fueled, except for the solid rocket boosters. The solid boosters are the GEM 63XL, which are longer than previous models and are designed to be more efficient.
The Vulcan Rocket will produce a significant amount of thrust, with the solid boosters providing 450,000 pounds of thrust each, and the liquid engines contributing an additional 1.1 million pounds. The rocket will weigh just under a million and a half pounds at liftoff.
Tory shares insights about the BE4 engines, which have been in development for a long time. He explains the importance of how these engines interact with the rocket and the challenges they faced during testing, including issues related to combustion stability.
As we continue our tour, Tory explains the various systems in place for the rocket’s launch, including the acoustic water suppression system designed to protect the rocket from sound energy during liftoff. We also discuss the mobile launch platform and how the rocket is assembled and transported to the launch pad.
The excitement builds as we approach the launch, and I reflect on the special moments shared with my dad throughout this experience. We also take time to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and enjoy some nostalgic moments together.
Finally, the launch occurs early in the morning, and we capture it on high-speed camera, making this experience even more memorable. Thank you for joining us on this journey to learn about the Vulcan Rocket and the incredible work being done in aerospace today.
Rocket – A vehicle or device propelled by the rapid expulsion of gases from a combustion process, used to travel through space. – The rocket was launched into space to deliver a satellite into orbit.
Engines – Machines that convert energy into mechanical force or motion, often used to power vehicles like cars, planes, and rockets. – The engineers worked on improving the engines to make the spacecraft travel faster.
Thrust – The force exerted by a rocket or engine that moves it forward, overcoming gravity and air resistance. – The rocket’s thrust was powerful enough to lift it off the ground and into the sky.
Aerospace – The branch of technology and industry concerned with both aviation and space flight. – She decided to study aerospace engineering to design better aircraft and spacecraft.
Launch – The act of sending a spacecraft or missile into the air or space. – The launch of the new satellite was successful, and it is now orbiting the Earth.
Design – The process of creating plans and drawings to show the look and function of a building, garment, or other object before it is made. – The design of the new rocket includes advanced materials to withstand high temperatures.
Protection – Measures taken to guard against damage or harm, especially in engineering and construction. – The spacecraft is equipped with heat shields for protection during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Systems – Sets of connected parts forming a complex whole, particularly in machinery or engineering. – The engineers tested the rocket’s systems to ensure everything was functioning correctly before the launch.
Combustion – The process of burning something to produce energy, often used in engines and power plants. – The combustion of fuel in the rocket’s engines generates the necessary thrust for liftoff.
Efficiency – The ability to accomplish a task with minimal waste of time and resources, often measured in terms of energy use. – Improving the efficiency of the rocket engines can reduce the amount of fuel needed for space missions.
