This 5:27 video answers the question: Why was the Apollo capsule shaped like a gumdrop? It explains the reason for the blunt-shaped capsule used for past and present NASA spacecraft. Students get an overview of the design process and learn how engineers use the that process to help expand on the work others have done before them. Dr. Maxime Faget, the engineer who came up with Apollo’s blunt-tipped shape, speaks about this work.
Earth and Space Science
MULTIMEDIA MODULE
Ninth grade, Tenth grade, Eleventh grade, Twelfth grade