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Sadok Smine

First of all, if you're looking for a course that contains basic knowledge about rocket science, just skip ahead because this course is NOT for you. This course is more mathematics oriented. Think of it as rocket propulsion university lectures compressed into 4.5 hours, that's why high school/basic mathematics and physics are recommended.

You can always check my AP/College Physics course, your call.

I assure you, this is the only online course that focuses this much on rocket propulsion. Go ahead, do your research.

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First of all, if you're looking for a course that contains basic knowledge about rocket science, just skip ahead because this course is NOT for you. This course is more mathematics oriented. Think of it as rocket propulsion university lectures compressed into 4.5 hours, that's why high school/basic mathematics and physics are recommended.

You can always check my AP/College Physics course, your call.

I assure you, this is the only online course that focuses this much on rocket propulsion. Go ahead, do your research.

You will however, understand the concepts behind rocket science and engineering and you will never say "IT'" again, because as it turns out, it's not that hard.

This course contains 4.5 hours of content containing clear course videos and examples to help you better understand the concepts of rocket propulsion, and you will also find quiz questions at the end of each section so you can test your knowledge.

This course contains crystal clear explanation of rocket propulsion, how to deal with complex equations which are critical to rocket design and how to use these equations to design a rocket engine for a specific mission.

This course is made using Microsoft PowerPoint which I Provided in the form of a PDF so you can keep up while watching the course videos. You will find it included as a resource in the first course video, so you can easily download it.

"We choose to go to the moon not because they are easy but because they are hard". JFK

What students say about this course:

"I honestly never thought it would be this detailed. The way the instructor presents such complex concepts, so simple, so elegant. The examples and the quiz questions helped a lot.

Whether you're a total beginner or a Ph.D. student, this course is PERFECT for you.

Thank you so much, really enjoyed it. "

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Discover rockets and their components
  • Derive and understand the rocket thrust equation
  • Full understanding of specific impulse
  • Derive and understand tsiolkovsky’s rocket equation
  • Discover the aerodynamic forces on a rocket
  • Thorough thermodynamic analysis
  • Understand the meaning of an ideal rocket
  • Derive, develop and understand complex rocket design equations in a simple manner
  • Design a rocket engine for a specific orbit/altitude
  • Derive and understand performance key parameters
  • Full understanding of how liquid-propellant rocket engines work and their components
  • Discover the different engine cooling techniques
  • Heat transfer analysis
  • Full understanding of how solid-propellant rocket engines work and their components
  • Discover the different electric propulsion systems, the difference between them and how they work
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Rocket Science and Engineering: Introduction
Course Overview
Background
What are Rockets and Why Do We Use Them?
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Helps overcome complex equations critical for rocket design
Ideal for beginners and advanced learners alike
Designed for those seeking deep understanding of rocket science
Comprehensive coverage of liquid-propellant rocket engines
Offers clear examples to simplify complex concepts
Requires prerequisite knowledge in high school math and physics

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into rocket propulsion engineering

According to students, this course offers a highly detailed and mathematically rigorous exploration of rocket science and engineering, with a strong focus on rocket propulsion fundamentals. Many praise the instructor's crystal clear explanations of complex concepts and derivations, finding the quiz questions and provided PDF notes to be highly beneficial. However, a significant point of contention is its suitability for beginners; while the course description suggests it's for 'total beginners,' many learners emphasize that it demands a strong background in calculus and physics, making it more aligned with university-level engineering studies rather than a general introduction.
Covers various propulsion types and thermodynamic analysis in depth.
"I found the thermodynamic analysis and nozzle theory sections incredibly detailed and well-explained."
"The focus on liquid and solid propellant engines was comprehensive."
"I really appreciated the detailed analysis of different propulsion types."
Complex topics are explained simply and elegantly by the instructor.
"The instructor breaks down complex equations into understandable steps."
"The instructor's explanations are crystal clear."
"I think the instructor does an excellent job simplifying very complex topics without losing rigor."
Offers a deep, rigorous mathematical approach to rocket science.
"This course is incredibly dense and mathematically rigorous, just what I needed."
"I found the depth of the mathematical derivations for thrust and specific impulse unmatched in online courses."
"It gave me a much deeper understanding of the underlying physics and math behind rockets."
Focuses more on derivations and theory than hands-on design.
"The course is very theory-heavy. I was hoping for more practical, hands-on applications or simulations..."
"I found it to be more of a deep dive into the 'why' than the 'how to build' aspects, which suited my needs as a researcher."
"It felt like a university lecture, which is fine, but less 'engineering design' and more 'derivation'."
Requires strong math and physics; not for absolute beginners.
"I came into this course as a beginner with high school physics and math... It was far too advanced for me."
"The 'total beginner' claim is false. I struggled a lot despite having taken basic science classes."
"It's too advanced if I'm not already familiar with advanced math and physics. I felt I wasted my money."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering with these activities:
Review Calculus and Physics
Reviewing these topics will help refresh your knowledge and make it easier to understand the mathematical concepts in the course.
Browse courses on Calculus
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous calculus and physics courses.
  • Take practice problems to test your understanding.
  • Watch online videos or tutorials to reinforce your knowledge.
  • Consider taking a refresher course or workshop if needed.
Read: Rocket Propulsion Elements
Reading this book will help build an introductory knowledge of rocket propulsion and provide background information for the course.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book from a vendor like Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
  • Read and re-read the chapters that cover the fundamental principles of rocket propulsion.
  • Take notes and highlight important passages for future reference.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers work primarily in research and development. They may also work in design and testing. Concepts and equations from this course are fundamental towards designing, developing, and testing rockets, missiles, and spacecraft. Some roles may even require you to have proficiency in solid and/or liquid rocket propulsion, which this course covers as well. In addition, this course may teach you skills and provide knowledge that will be critical for working with your team to apply scientific research to practical aerospace engineering problems.
Rocket Scientist
Rocket Scientists conduct research and apply scientific principles to the design, development, and testing of rockets and missiles. A major portion of this job will be spent with rocket propulsion, which this course dives deep into. Propulsion is what enables rockets to travel through the air and space. The complex equations that govern rocket propulsion are derived and simplified throughout this course.
Astronautical Engineer
Astronautical Engineers work on spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other space systems. This course may be useful for understanding the propulsion portion of such systems, and more specifically any spacecraft, satellite, or other space system that will have a rocket as its primary means of propulsion.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. This course may be useful for those who will work with systems that involve propulsion or for those who work on designing and developing vehicles.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials and improve existing ones. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing materials used in rocket propulsion systems, such as heat-resistant materials that can withstand the high temperatures generated by rocket engines.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and processes. This course may be useful for those who will work on designing and developing propellants for rocket engines.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course may be useful for those who will work on designing and developing electrical systems for rockets.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and test computer systems. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing software for rocket guidance and control systems.
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing new theories of rocket propulsion.
Mathematician
Mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve problems in science, engineering, and business. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing new mathematical models of rocket propulsion.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at the primary, secondary, and college levels. This course may be useful for those who will teach physics or engineering.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documents, such as manuals, reports, and proposals. This course may be useful for those who will write about rocket science and engineering.
Patent Agent
Patent Agents help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. This course may be useful for those who will work on patents for rocket science and engineering inventions.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course may be useful for those who will work in a library that specializes in rocket science and engineering.
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections and exhibits of museums. This course may be useful for those who will work in a museum that has a collection of rockets and spacecraft.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering.
A comprehensive reference on the design and analysis of liquid-propellant rocket engines. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
A comprehensive textbook on aircraft and rocket propulsion. Useful as a more in-depth reference for those interested in learning more about the subject.
A classic textbook on rocket propulsion, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
A comprehensive textbook on spacecraft propulsion and power systems. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
Provides a strong foundation in thermodynamics, which is essential for understanding rocket propulsion. Useful as background reading for those with limited thermodynamics knowledge.
Provides a strong foundation in astrodynamics, which is essential for understanding rocket trajectories and maneuvers. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
Provides a strong foundation in advanced mathematics, which is essential for understanding rocket propulsion. Useful as background reading for those with limited mathematics knowledge.
Provides a strong foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding rocket propulsion. Useful as background reading for those with limited aerodynamics knowledge.
A more introductory textbook on rocket propulsion. Useful for those with limited knowledge of the subject or as a supplement to the course.

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