How Do We Launch Things into Space?

You’ve probably seen beautiful photos of Earth and the other planets in our solar system. Those photos were often captured by spacecraft – robotic explorers doing their work far away from Earth. But how exactly do we send these spacecraft so far away? Well, it all starts with a rocket. A really, really big one.

Comprehension Questions:
1. True or False: A rocket needs to get going to 17,800 MPH to thrust into Earth’s atmosphere and stay in orbit.
2. An object in space that orbits around a large object is called a ___________.
3. What is the name of the circular path that satellites follow around Earth?
4. The balance of momentum and _________ can keep a satellite in orbit for many years.

Answer Key:
1. True
2. Satellite
3. Orbit
4. Gravity