The Martian project was extremely exciting to do, but it was difficult. We got to work with new people that weren’t in any of the previous projects. The problem with that we don’t have the same classes, and were building the hab in science. This caused there to be two of us in one period and 3 in the next; our communication was not all that well between us at first. We managed to overcome the communication issue and got the hab back on track. Another problem we ran into was that we had difficulty calculating the center of pressure, but Rodney was able figure it out after Mrs. Franz came in. while building the rocket we 3D printed a connector, but it wasn’t sized properly: causing us to shave down the edges of the main pipe and use cardboard has a filler. On Monday we had to change the weight of the rocket since it’s weight was 6.5 ounces when it need to weigh around 3 ounces. The solution to this was the removal of Iran's nuclear missile, the large egg was traded for a smaller Quail egg and we shrank the safety capsule. These changes allowed our rocket’s to weight to 3.8 ounces. Although we ran into many problems our rocket and hab worked well, and the Quail egg (Mark Watney) survived.

        To figure out what type of rocket we wanted multiple ideas were generated and some were mixed. Once we had decided on the main points of the rocket the 2D and 3D models were created. The construction of the rocket started on the 7th day and lasted for 9 days. To create the rocket we used a premade nose cone, a 1 in tube, wooden fins, felt, a 3D print, and cardboard. In order to use these materials we had to pay extra money, but it was worth it in the end. The 3D print we used was to connect the capsule and nose to the base of the rocket. This piece was not properly size when printed though that problem was an easy fix.The egg capsule we had designed was created to hold a large egg, but due to the egg changing we did not use it. The capsule was supposed to be a pyramid at the base of the nose cone. Inside there was padding made from felt, but when reduced the weight we only used to squares of felt.

        When the rocket was launched it went about 20 ft into the air and almost hit me when it landed. Our rocket didn’t get enough height so the parachute was unable to deploy and the capsule never separated. Once it hit the ground the rocket disconnected due to the impact, while the egg stayed intact. Later when the parachute had been pulled out the engine had burned a hole through the top.  

        Overall, this project was enjoyable to do and allowed for many new experiences. If i had to redo this project I would make sure the rockets weight was even, and that the parachute isn’t to close to the engine. I would also be better at taking photos to do the daily updates and make sure to document everything.