Assemble a rocket from main engine to payload fairing! Rocket Science 101 shows the basic parts of the launch vehicle, how they are configured, and how they work together to launch a NASA spacecraft.

Components for the Delta II Series Launch Vehicle

1. Payload Fairing
• Fairing - The payload fairing protects the spacecraft and upper stage during the early portion of launch, when the aerodynamic forces from the atmosphere could affect the rocket. The fairing is jettisoned about two minutes into flight.
2. Spacecraft
• Spacecraft (Typical) - The spacecraft is the NASA payload that will carry out the mission. A spacecraft could be an Earth-observing satellite, an interplanetary probe, or something else entirely, depending on the mission's goals.
3. Booster
• Third Stage
• Payload Attach Fitting - The payload attach fitting is a ring that connects the spacecraft to the third stage. This component is used in a three-stage configuration. In the two-stage configuration, the fitting connects the spacecraft to the second stage.
• Star-48B Solid Rocket Motor - Following burnout and separation of the boosters and the rocket's liquid second stage, the Star-48B third-stage rocket motor propels the spacecraft into its initial orbit.
• Spin Table - Attached to the top of the second stage, the spin table supports, rotates and stabilizes the spacecraft and third stage before they spin up and separate from the second stage.
• Second Stage
• Second-Stage Guidance Section - The forward section of the second stage houses avionics equipment which provides guidance sequencing and stabilization signals for both the first and second stage.
• Second-Stage Fuel and Oxidizer Tanks - This unit encloses both the fuel tank, which contains Aerozine-50, and the oxidizer tank, which contains nitrogen tetroxide. These propellants combine to power the second stage engine.
• Second-Stage Oxidizer Tank - This tank contains the oxidizer nitrogen tetroxide, which combines with Aerozine-50 fuel to power the second stage engine.
• Second-Stage Engine (AJ10-118K) - The second stage uses the restartable AJ10-118K engine, which uses the storable hypergolic propellants nitrogen tetroxide and Aerozine-50.
• First Stage
• Interstage - The interstage connects the first and second stages.
• First-Stage Fuel Tank - This tank contains 10,000 gallons of RP-1 fuel, which combines with liquid oxygen to power the main engine
• First-Stage LO2 Tank - This tank contains 15,000 gallons of liquid oxygen, which combines with RP-1 fuel to power the main engine.
• Graphite-Epoxy Motor (GEM-40) - The GEM-40 is a strap-on booster system. The motors can be flown in different configurations depending on the payload requirements; for example, the Delta vehicle may require three, four, or nine strap-on motors.
• Engine Section - Inside the first stage engine section are the main engine and two LR101-NA-11 vernier engines, small rocket motors that provide steering capabilities. This section also provides the aft attachments for the strap-on solid propellant motors.
• Extended Air-Lit Nozzle - These are the nozzles on the GEM-40 strap-on solid rocket boosters.
• First-Stage Engine (RS-27A) - Also called the main engine, the RS-27A begins operation at T-0 (launch). Along with the solid rocket motors, it carries the entire rocket to a predetermined altitude. It then shuts down, allowing the first stage to separate from the second stage. The engine runs on a combination of liquid oxygen and RP-1 fuel.