Rocketry

5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . 2 . . . 0 . . . Ignition. Blast off!

These dramatic words often come to mind when people think of space. There is little else on the planet that matches the excitement of a liftoff.

With a roar and billowing clouds of smoke, Space Shuttle Atlantis (mission STS-110) left the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, FL, on April 8, 2002. Two solid rocket boosters propel the shuttle from lift-off through the first stage, after which the boosters separate and drop back to Earth and land in the ocean. [NASA Kennedy Space Center]

As a Galaxy Explorer, you'll learn all about rockets and space propulsion systems, including ion power, electromagnetic power, nuclear power, and antimatter. It may seem hard to understand now, but as a Galaxy Explorers Launch Officer, you'll know all about aerodynamics, launch vehicles, and propulsion systems.

You and your Galaxy Explorers Mission Team will put your newfound knowledge to work as you design, build and fly model rockets in competition.

The Galaxy Explorers Launch Officer designation means you're ready to look to the future and towards moving humankind into space.