Rocket scientist speaks at UWP
PLATTEVILLE- Students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville had the opportunity to learn about the evolution of liquid rocket engine design from Robert Kraemer, a retired rocket scientist.
Kraemer has played a part in designing the rocket engines that were used on all U.S. manned rockets until the space shuttle program. Before becoming NASA's director of planetary exploration, Kraemer worked with Rocketdyne, eventually becoming the head of advanced design. Author of two books, "Beyond the Moon" and "Rocketdyne: Powering Humans into Space," Kraemer also received NASA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal. He received his B.S. degree from the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind., and his master's degree in rocket theory from California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif.
In his presentation, Kraemer discussed the events leading up to the space shuttle program and the different kinds of rocket nozzles, fuel chambers and engine designs. He said the space shuttle program was developed as a part of a long-term effort to send humans to Mars and the first step was to design a reusable space shuttle. In the late 1950s, while working for Rocketdyne, Kraemer helped design a 1,500,000 pound thrust engine, which became the F-1 engine that powered the Saturn V, which took astronauts to the moon. This was one of the advancements leading to the development of the space shuttle. Shortly after, he led the team that designed the Aerospike, a 250,000 pound thrust engine, whose nozzle could adapt to altitude. Following these designs and after many tests, the space shuttle main engine was developed. The current space shuttles use three space shuttle main engines. According to Kraemer, NASA is currently designing a system that will replace the space shuttle.
Kraemer said that the biggest thing that will come out of the space program will be sending humans to Mars, but that it will have to be an international effort.
"We will send humans to Mars. I'm not sure when, but it's coming and it is going to be exciting when it happens," said Kraemer.
He added that there is room for new ideas and advised students to find something they really want to do and enjoy for a career.
"If it's something you enjoy and are interested in, you'll do well at it," stated Kraemer.
Adam Annis, president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers at UWP, helped coordinate the event. This is the third time that Kraemer has spoken at UWP.
"It's always interesting to hear him speak. It's not every day you see someone like this come to campus. It's interesting for students to see how things they are learning in class like heat transfer, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics is applied to the space shuttle," said Annis.
Anyone wanting more information about Kraemer's presentation may contact David Kraemer, associate professor of mechanical engineering, at (608) 342-1987.
Contact: David Kraemer, associate professor, mechanical engineering, (608) 342-1987 Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu
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