Rockets to access the Near-Earth Space: Sounding Rockets &

Launch Vehicles

Sheeju Chandran

The early years

The history of rocketry dates back thousands of years, with early civilizations
employing them for warfare and ceremonial purposes. However, it was in the 20th
century that rocketry truly began to take shape as a scientific discipline.

The foundations of modern rocketry were laid by visionaries such as Konstantin

Tsiolkovsky, Robert H. Goddard, and Hermann Oberth. Their theoretical work and
experimental research in the early 20th century paved the way for significant
advancements in rocket technology.

The founding fathers; KE Tsiolkovsky, H Oberth and R Goddard

Image courtesy : National academic press

In 1926, Robert H. Goddard launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket,

demonstrating the potential of liquid propellants for achieving higher speeds and
altitudes. This breakthrough marked a turning point in the field of rocketry.

During World War II, rockets were used as weapons, with German engineer Wernher
von Braun leading the development of the V-2 rocket. After the war, von Braun and a
team of German scientists were brought to the United States as part of Operation
Paperclip, laying the foundation for the American space program.

Dawn of the space age:

The Space Age truly began on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union launched
Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite. This event sparked the space race
between the United States and the Soviet Union, culminating in the historic Apollo 11
mission in 1969, when Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon.

Since then, rocketry has continued to evolve, with advancements in propulsion

systems, satellite technology, and the exploration of other celestial bodies. Today,
rockets are instrumental in space exploration, satellite deployment, scientific research,
and commercial ventures, shaping our understanding of the universe and pushing the
boundaries of human achievement.

Neil Armstrong Yuri Gagarin

Image courtesy : NASA Image courtesy : Novosti

Basics of rocketry:

Rocketry is the science and technology of designing, building, and launching rockets
into space. At its core, rocketry is governed by fundamental principles rooted in
Newton's laws of motion and the conservation of momentum. These principles dictate
that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The basic principle of rocketry involves the ejection of high-speed exhaust gases in
one direction, which generates a reaction force propelling the rocket in the opposite
direction. This is achieved through the controlled combustion of propellants, either in
the form of solid or liquid fuel.

Rockets operate in accordance with Newton's third law of motion, which states that
every action has an equal and opposite reaction. As the exhaust gases are expelled
at high speeds, the rocket experiences an equal and opposite force, propelling it
forward. The relevant mathematical correlation, known as the rocket equation, was
formulated by Tsiolkovsky and is given below.

Rocketry has revolutionized our ability to explore space, enabling the launch of
satellites, space probes, and even manned missions. It has opened up new frontiers
of scientific research, telecommunications, and understanding our universe.

By harnessing the principles of rocketry, we have achieved incredible feats, including

lunar landings, satellite networks, and unprecedented discoveries beyond our planet.
As technology advances, rocketry continues to play a pivotal role in pushing the
boundaries of human exploration and expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.

Space, the vast expanse beyond Earth's atmosphere, holds tremendous mysteries
and possibilities for exploration. It is a vacuum devoid of air and gravity, where celestial
bodies reside and cosmic phenomena unfold. Space offers unique conditions for
scientific research, telecommunications, Earth observation, and human spaceflight.

Types of rockets

Sounding rockets play a vital role in our exploration of space and the upper
atmosphere. These suborbital vehicles are designed to carry scientific instruments and
experiments to gather data and conduct research. Unlike orbital rockets, sounding
rockets do not achieve a stable orbit but instead provide brief periods of
weightlessness and access to regions of the atmosphere and space that are otherwise
difficult to study.
 Sounding rockets of ISRO
Image courtesy : Wikipedia

Sounding rockets are used to study atmospheric conditions, cosmic radiation, auroras,
microgravity environments, and other phenomena. They allow scientists to collect data
at altitudes ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometers above the Earth's surface,
providing valuable insights into our atmosphere and the space environment.

These rockets are typically single or multi-stage vehicles, designed for specific
missions and carrying scientific payloads. They provide a cost-effective means to
conduct experiments in space-like conditions without the complexities and expenses
associated with orbital missions.

Sounding rockets have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Earth's
atmosphere, space physics, and astronomy. They continue to be indispensable tools
for scientific research, enabling us to explore and unlock the secrets of the higher
realms above our planet.

Satellites and launch vehicles are integral components of modern space exploration
and technology. Satellites, man-made objects orbiting the Earth, have revolutionized
communication, Earth observation, weather forecasting, navigation, and scientific
research. Launch vehicles, on the other hand, are the means by which satellites and
other payloads are propelled into space.
Satellites come in various forms, including communication satellites, weather
satellites, remote sensing satellites, and scientific satellites. They are equipped with
instruments and sensors that capture data and transmit it back to Earth. Satellites
enable global communication networks, facilitate real-time weather monitoring,
monitor environmental changes, aid in disaster management, and provide valuable
scientific insights into the universe.

Launch vehicles, also known as rockets, are the vehicles designed to carry satellites
and other payloads into space. They consist of multiple stages, each with its own
propulsion system. The main stages provide the initial thrust to overcome Earth's
gravity, while upper stages fine-tune the trajectory and deliver the payload into the
desired orbit. Launch vehicles range in size and capabilities, from small-scale rockets
used for scientific experiments to heavy-lift vehicles capable of launching large
satellites or even interplanetary missions.

Today launch vehicles of many types are being used by various spacefaring nations
across the globe. They employ different types of propulsion systems and other have
varying levels of versatility. The design and construction of launch vehicles involve
complex engineering and precise calculations and employ multiple stages to generate
the required payload velocity.

They must generate enough

thrust to overcome gravity and
atmospheric resistance, while
also ensuring the safety and
stability of the payload. Launch
vehicles rely on various
propulsion systems, including
solid rocket motors, liquid rocket
engines, and advanced systems
such as hybrid engines and ion
propulsion.
Typical rocket schemes
Image courtesy : Encyclopaedia Britannica
The launch process involves careful planning and coordination. Mission design
determines the trajectory, payload requirements, and launch window. Launch sites are
chosen based on geographical considerations and safety regulations. Once the
countdown begins, launch vehicles undergo a sequence of operations, including
ignition, staging, and payload deployment.

Launch vehicles have played a crucial role in advancing space exploration and
technology. They enable the deployment of satellites that improve global
communication, enhance weather forecasting accuracy, monitor climate change, and
unravel the mysteries of the universe. Additionally, launch vehicles facilitate human
spaceflight missions, resupplying space stations, and laying the groundwork for future
endeavours, such as lunar and Mars missions.

ISRO launch vehicles , Image courtesy : ISRO

In recent years, the space industry has seen the emergence of commercial launch
vehicles, fostering competition, innovation, and lower costs. Companies like SpaceX,
Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab are revolutionizing the sector, introducing reusable
rockets and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space. This provides new
opportunities for the Indian Space segments as well.
Indian Space programme

The Indian Space Program, operated by the

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),
has made significant strides in space
exploration and technology. Established in
1969, it has achieved notable milestones,
including launching satellites for
communication, Earth observation, and
scientific research. The Indian Space Program
is renowned for its cost-effective approach and
indigenous development of launch vehicles
and satellite systems.

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

Image courtesy : ISRO

Notable missions include the Chandrayaan lunar missions and the Mars Orbiter
Mission, which made India the first country to successfully reach Mars in its first
attempt. The program continues to expand, paving the way for future advancements
in space exploration and satellite technology.

Conclusion

Satellites and launch vehicles have transformed our world, connecting people across
the globe, providing critical information, and expanding our knowledge of the universe.
As technology advances and new discoveries are made, the potential for further
advancements in satellite technology and launch vehicle capabilities holds great
promise for the future of space exploration and utilization.