
Grades 5-8| 1 (7 hour) Day
In This Mission...
Overview
This one-day activity will simulate the design and launch of a real Blue Origin mission, in which a team of professionals must work together to be successful. Students collaborate with their team to tackle problems and work together for the final rocket launch. Teams are responsible for sharing their final products and results.
Mission Setting
Blue Origin’s New Shepard Rocket is a vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing, crew-rated suborbital launch vehicle that is being developed as a commercial system for suborbital space tourism. For Mission Bravo Oscar, Blue Origin is switching propulsion systems from liquid to solid propellant. Students must work together to determine which engine size is the best choice while considering altitude, velocity, acceleration, and the type of payload that will be launched.
The mission is complete when the following criteria are met:
- Appropriate personnel are identified, hired, and work effectively together.
- A New Shepard rocket is safely built, transported, launched, and recovered after testing 2 – 3 engine types in an appropriate time frame.
- Team gives a recommendation for best engine size based on the testing they completed.
Schedule
Materials
Each Student Needs:
- Student Mission Packet
The Group Needs:
- What is Blue Origin? Slide Presentation
- Blue Origin New Shepard Builders Kit
- Lifetime Launch System.
- Engines, B4-4, B6-4, and C6-5
- Mini AltiTrak
- Tennis balls
- Clipboards
- Calculators
- Computer/smart device with internet
- Recycled materials
- Tape
- Art supplies
- Ruler
- Yellow Glue
- Fine sandpaper
- Medium CA glue
- Optional: Primer, clear coat, white paint, masking tape
Mission Simulation Products
-
Recovery Wadding
Regular price $5.99Regular priceUnit price per$5.99Sale price $5.99 -
Blue Origin New Shepard (Builders Kit)
Regular price $35.99Regular priceUnit price per$35.99Sale price $35.99 -
Blue Origin New Shepard
Regular price $69.99Regular priceUnit price per$69.99Sale price $69.99 -
Mini AltiTrak™ Altitude Tracker
Regular price $11.99Regular priceUnit price per$11.99Sale price $11.99
Building Supplies
-
Cutting Mat
Regular price $18.99Regular priceUnit price per$18.99Sale price $18.99 -
Disposable Hobby Knife
Regular price $1.49Regular priceUnit price per$1.49Sale price $1.49 -
Insta Cure Super Thin Glue (1-3 Seconds)
Regular price $9.99Regular priceUnit price per$9.99Sale price $9.99 -
Sold out
Carpenter's Wood Glue
Regular price $2.99Regular priceUnit price per$2.99Sale price $2.99Sold out

Live, Online Training and 1:1 Support!
Estes Education has been a leader in STEM education for over 60 years. We know that STEM is a vital interdisciplinary topic that requires hands-on and inclusive learning. Explore these supporting materials to take learning to new heights!
Should you have need, you can meet with a member of Education team for FREE, 1:1 online support to learn rocketry basics, how to apply our curriculum, and discover unique teaching strategies. Our team is eager to answer your questions!

Learn About Model Rocket Safety!
Not sure how to safely launch a rocket with your group? Head over to our dedicated Safety instructions page for videos, support, and more!