Math in Space

Exploring space takes tons of math. Scientists calculate how fast a rocket must go. They figure out the path to reach other planets. Without math, we could never leave Earth.

Launching Rockets

To leave Earth, a rocket must travel very fast. It needs to reach about 25,000 miles per hour. Scientists use math to figure out how much fuel is needed and what angle to launch.

Even a tiny math mistake could send a rocket off course. That is why space agencies check their math over and over again.

Traveling in Space

Space is really big. The Moon is about 239,000 miles away. Mars is about 140 million miles away. Scientists use math to plan the best path between planets.

They also use math to keep satellites in orbit. A satellite must travel at just the right speed to stay circling the Earth without falling or flying away.

Fun Facts

• It takes about 3 days to travel from Earth to the Moon.
• Light travels at 186,000 miles per second, and even light takes over 4 years to reach the nearest star.
• NASA scientists used math to slingshot the Voyager spacecraft past planets to speed it up.

Did You Know?

The mathematician Katherine Johnson did the calculations by hand that helped send the first Americans into orbit around Earth!