Rocket Invention

Posted by Amelia Wang on April 7th, 2019

Most people around the world know a rocket as a vehicle that flies into space. It has a cylindrical structure and can be propelled very fast through the air by the discharge of burning gases at the rear end. I discovered also that it can be used either for traveling in space or as a weapon when I was doing my responsive essay.

History and Development

Rocket invention took a long time to be realized because of continuous experimentations and researches on rocket and rocket propulsion over thousands of years. It is reported that the first true rocket was invented and used by the Chinese in the year 1232 CE. At that time, the Chinese and Mongols were at war with each other. Before the invention of the rocket, a wooden bird that flew like a rocket was made by a Greek known as Archytas in the city of Tarentum in southern Italy. It happened around the year 400 B.C.E. The bird employed the action-reaction principle to fly. The same principle is used in rocket propulsion.

The rocket was invented by the Chinese by way of several experiments using gunpowder-filled tubes to make fireworks during their religious celebrations. The tubes were made from bamboo and the gunpowder – from saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal dust. During the celebrations of their religious festivals, they used the mixture of the gunpowder to fill the bamboo tubes and toss them into fires. They would observe some tubes bouncing out of the fire being propelled by the gases emitted as the gunpowder burned out. After the careful observation of this phenomenon, they started experimenting with bamboo tubes filled with gun gunpowder. This led to an accidental discovery: the power of the gases produced was enough to launch the gunpowder tubes with a great speed, hence which became the basis for the invention of the first rocket.

The first rockets that were built by the Chinese had some shortcomings, which made them less reliable. Most of them used to explode when launched while diverging from their courses as they flew and landing in the wrong places. These difficulties were overcome by several advancements in the field of rocketry. The speed of the rocket has greatly been increased making it easier to escape the force of gravity that tends to pull it towards the center of the Earth. The development of the better hardware reduces the instances of explosions that were common in earlier rockets. Better solid and liquid propellant development has also made it possible for rockets to go on longer trips with powerful takeoff.

The rocket has changed a great deal since its invention. The early rockets were crude since they were used either for fireworks or as a weapon; thus, they were completely destroyed after the use. The modern rockets are used as vehicles for space exploration, weaponry, and also to power manned aero-crafts. These uses necessitated the advancement of the rocket with the sophisticated components that would meet its purposes. The modern rocket has components, which make it far better than the original one. It has the structure that provides support for all the other components and protects the inner space of the vehicle. Its propulsion is enabled by fuel-oxidizer, pumps, combustion chambers, igniters, nozzles, and flow systems.

Command and data handling components have been fitted with computers to process, store, and distribute data during operation. Modern rockets are equipped with emergency systems that include sensors for detecting the leak, fire and damage as well as backup systems in case there is a fault. Rockets also have a landing system including wings, parachutes, and airbags that enables a safe return to the Earth. The payload of a rocket carries the science instruments, crew, and cargo. Re-entry systems are fitted in the rocket to make a payload safe. It consists of braking systems such as the orbital maneuvering systems and the re-entry thermal protection. Another important component of the modern rocket is the communications system that comprises equipment such as radios, low and high gain antennas. All these advanced equipment of the latest version of rockets made them better than the original.

Rocket invention has made space exploration possible enabling the launching of satellites into the space. In light of this, rocket invention has changed my life in several ways, for instance, in the context of the satellite communications and their applications on the Earth in my daily experiences and activities. Space activities have made it possible for me to enjoy all the advantages of telecommunications and television by communicating with friends and other people from any place on the planet. Therefore, the invention of the rocket united the world by means of communication.

Besides, another major development has been witnessed in the area of disaster management. It is now possible to get early warnings about various phenomena such as storms and flood, which are relayed by the power of satellites. Additionally, people can discover the existence of life beyond the planet Earth. It is now possible to carry out new researches leading to new discoveries related to the environment. However, it is sad that rockets are used to power missiles in war.

In conclusion, the invention of the rocket has been a breakthrough for humanity. It has led to a major development in communication that is now indispensable in human lives in all aspects both within and beyond our planet.