NASA Rocket Science Game for Computers and iPad Lets Players Build and Launch a Virtual Rocket

Keeping with NASA’s theme of education and inspiring kids (of all ages) to get excited about space and science, the nation’s space agency as announced the release of “Rocket Science 101.” The video game, available on computers as well as on the iPad, is a great introduction to rocket science and allows players to build and launch their own virtual rocket.

According to NASA, game players are able to select their favorite NASA mission and then choose from three skill levels for building a rocket to send the spacecraft into orbit. “The Rocket Science 101 challenge provides players an opportunity to learn about NASA missions and the various components of the launch vehicles, including how rockets are configured and how they work together to successfully launch a spacecraft.” The program is a great way for teachers to engage students with a hands-on introduction to rocket and space science.

The application was developed by the Kennedy Information Technology Mobile Team in conjunction with NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP). The LSP at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is a team of managers, engineers and other specialists who’s job it is to match spacecraft with the right rocket to carry out real-life missions, a process often done years ahead of a launch.

As liftoff nears, teams oversee the launch vehicle’s engineering and manufacturing, including its integration with the spacecraft. LSP conducts the countdowns for NASA’s scientific missions and provides additional quality assurance along with other controls to ensure a successful mission. Now, through the Rocket Science 101 app / video game, student and game players have the opportunity to do the same thing in a virtual environment.

To download Rocket Science 101 for the iPad, users can find it on iTunes. To play the game on a computer, Rocket Science 101 is available online from the NASA web site at: http://go.nasa.gov/Mn28Nt.