Before humanity ventured into space and set foot on the moon, the dream of exploring the cosmos was already alive. While it’s easy to assume that only modern civilizations pondered what lies beyond our planet, history tells a different story. Galileo, born in 1564, is often hailed as the father of observational astronomy. The Hubble Space Telescope, despite being our current favorite tool for stargazing, is still in its infancy at just over 30 years old compared to the first recorded telescope from 1608. However, gazing into space pales in comparison to actually traveling there, which is why kids are so captivated by rockets. Thus, we’ve crafted a collection of exciting rocket coloring pages.
If your energetic little ones are zooming around the house and you’re seeking a moment of calm (who isn’t?), coloring pages are the perfect solution. It can be a challenge to get your high-energy kids to sit still long enough to color. But providing them with sheets featuring their favorite themes can make a significant difference. These rocket coloring pages are ideal for your aspiring space adventurer! Once they’ve completed these, they can blast off to our solar system coloring pages and alien-themed sheets.
Free Rocket Coloring Pages
Rocket No. 1
Many people use the term “rocket” broadly to describe anything that launches into space. However, a “rocket” has a specific definition! Did you know that Atlas and Delta rockets have conducted over a thousand missions? Fun fact: the average rocket can lift over 6,000 pounds and generate more than one million pounds of thrust!
Rocket No. 2
The term “rocket” refers to the component of a spacecraft that utilizes controlled explosions to lift a missile or spacecraft skyward. Interestingly, humans aren’t the only ones to journey into space. On November 29, 1961, a chimpanzee named Max boarded the Mercury-Atlas for his first orbit. And surprisingly, rockets can even be festive! On December 18, 1958, an Atlas B booster transmitted a Christmas greeting from then-President Dwight Eisenhower. Imagine celebrating the holidays in space?!
Rocket No. 3
Did you know that fireworks are considered rockets? It’s true! The invention of rockets traces back to 13th-century China during the Song Dynasty, when fireworks were first introduced. The word “rocket” originates from the Italian term “rocchetta,” meaning bobbin or little spindle.
Rocket No. 4
You might have guessed by now that “rockets” extend beyond space travel (and fireworks). Militaries also deploy rockets to deliver munitions to their targets. Some are designed for long-range use, while others, like rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), are intended for close-quarters combat.
Rocket No. 5
Rockets operate differently than airplanes; they don’t rely on air. Instead, they ignite fuel, creating hot gas (insert chuckle-worthy joke here), which propels them forward. Essentially, they depend on their exhaust for movement rather than it being a mere byproduct.
Rocket No. 6
It may not seem apparent in our daily lives, but Earth’s gravity is tremendously powerful. For a space shuttle to escape this gravitational pull and reach space, it must achieve speeds of at least 420 miles per hour.
Rocket No. 7
In contrast, space shuttles orbiting Earth travel at significantly higher speeds! To maintain their orbit, they must reach approximately 17,500 miles per hour—about 270 times faster than the average highway speed.
Rocket No. 8
The first living creature to enter space was a dog named Bella, who flew aboard the Soviet satellite Sputnik. The Soviet Union took great pride in both Sputnik and Bella. For years following the satellite’s launch, the government gifted descendants of Bella to deserving individuals. Unfortunately, Bella did not survive; she overheated and passed away just five hours into the mission.
Rocket No. 9
Although America famously put the first man on the moon, the Soviet Union achieved many other space milestones first. They launched the first satellite, sent the first dog into space, and also accomplished the first unmanned moon landing, the first human into space, and the first female astronaut.
Rocket No. 10
Speaking of moon landings, can you recall the names of the first astronauts to step onto the lunar surface? They were Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. A total of 12 men have walked on the moon, and while no women have yet made the journey, the future looks promising with so many brilliant women pursuing careers in space exploration.
Rocket No. 11
The first rocket was launched in Germany in 1942, known as the V-2 rocket, which was initially designed as a ballistic missile rather than for space travel.
For more fun, click here to print all the rocket coloring pages at once! If you’re interested in learning more, check out this post on home insemination kits which might spark your curiosity as well.
Summary:
This collection of rocket coloring pages is designed to engage and entertain children fascinated by space exploration. Each page offers a unique look into the world of rockets, from their historical significance to their mechanics. These pages not only provide creative fun but also impart interesting facts about space travel, making them a perfect educational tool for young astronauts.
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