Andrew C. Smith

Product and Engineering Manager, Gumstix Research Canada

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Great questions guys. I'm sure we'll see many of you riding rockets and exploring the stars in a few years. Keep up the good work.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why are there holes in the moon?

The holes in the moon are actually large craters. They were likely created by rocks (asteroid or meteor) that are floating around space and hit the moon. Ones have hit the earth too long ago but they're covered by all the grass and trees.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why do rockets have fire coming out?

The engines on the rocket push the rocket burning special fuel. As the fire blows out one end, it pushes the rocket in the other direction. It's like air blowing out of a balloon. However the air coming out of the rocket is moving much faster

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why do rockets have engines?

You're absolutely right, rockets have engines to push them up into the sky and push them into space. The engine is how the rocket speeds up and slows down. Remember, to come back home the ship needs to slow down when it's in orbit around the earth.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why is there a flag on the moon?

The flag was put there to signify the arrival to the moon, to act as a reminder of all the hard work done by many people to get humans to the moon.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why do they need a launching pad?

The big engines on the bottom of the rocket are really hot and powerful, they need very firm ground to push off from to make sure they don't burn or blast holes. They also need some equipment to hold them upright until they're ready to takeoff.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Can it go to the moon or planets?

NASA is planning to go back to the moon. Most rockets now aren't strong enough to take astronauts to the moon and back. However, the plan is to go back to the moon and put the first woman on the surface by 2024. Mars will be after that.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why is there a little dot on the front?

The dot on the front is where all the food, cargo, equipment or astronauts go, all the important stuff. While taking off they need to protect it because they're going so fast.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why do they have stuff on the ground for landing?

New rockets are trying to be reusable, so after the rocket is done taking things to space they want to be able to send it up again. To do this they need to get the rocket back safely. Eventually astronauts will be returning too.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Why do they have a point on top?
You're absolutely right, it's to make it easier to go fast when they are taking off. Like holding your hand flat or sideways in the wind.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@MsSarahCassidy @MackenzieFive Would be happy to help, these are some great questions.

How do rockets fly?
Rockets have a really strong engine on the bottom that pushes them very fast. It's like blowing air out the bottom of a straw and feeling the straw push against you.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

The world's largest active rocket, making it look easy ... on its second flight ever. Pretty hard to argue with that. Congrats @SpaceX.

https://t.co/kBSC1EOCqi

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

Exciting moment. Another step towards the next chapter in human space flight. Crew Dragon's first test flight Saturday morning at 2:49 a.m. EST.

[SpaceX @SpaceX]

SpaceX and @NASA have completed thousands of hours of tests, analyses, and reviews in preparation for Crew Dragon’s first test flight to the @space_station

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

After more than 5 years, a CSA astronaut is headed back to space. Good luck @Astro_DavidS, you inspire us all.

[Canadian Space Agency @csa_asc]

Don’t miss Monday’s big launch LIVE at 6:00 a.m. ET with former CSA astronaut @RobertThirsk and current CSA astronaut @Astro_Jenni! #DareToExplore

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

Pretty awesome announcement. These are the astronauts who will be aboard the rockets when space flight returns to North America.

[NASA @NASA]

A monumental @Commercial_Crew announcement, transforming global data into local solutions and tracking California wildfires from space. For all of this and more, watch to see what happened This Week at NASA: https://t.co/9FAu6DNVXR

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

Another cool milestone by @SpaceX. Hopefully later this year astronauts will be riding on top of one of these.

https://t.co/S8zUb7zsin

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

Thanks to @alcdsb_stpe, @alcdsb_jjon and @HealeyHeather for inviting me. Lots of future engineers, scientists and @csa_asc astronauts. Keep up the hard work and reach for the stars. https://t.co/gVI8ZZxBPl

[Heather Healey @HealeyHeather]

Excited to have Andrew Smith from Harrowsmith - a finalist for Canada’s next astronaut - share about passion, hard work, and growth mindset with our students at both schools! #space #grit @alcdsb_stpe @alcdsb_jjon @tlhulton

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

Had a great time with the astronauts and engineers in training at Dr R. Thornton Public School in @DurhamDSB. Thanks @ElizabethLiane, Mrs. Corby and the amazing kindergarten kids. Keep building and reaching for the stars.

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

An exciting event scheduled for tomorrow that will have a huge impact on the future of space travel. I can't wait to watch it.

https://t.co/2fi99lhhFu

[Andrew C. Smith @AndrewCSmith32]

@ElizabethLiane Would love to.