Caption: The Soyuz MS-09 rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on 6 June 2018, taking the Expedition 56 crew to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew consisted of Soyuz Commander Sergey Prokopyev of Roscosmos, flight engineer Serena Auñón-Chancellor of NASA, and flight engineer Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency).
Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky credit link

Caption: This infographic is part of the "Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers" project, aiming to present scientific concepts in a simple and accessible way. The design focuses on the speed of spacecraft during the various stages of their launch, illustrating how velocity changes as the spacecraft progresses to reach the desired orbit. Details of the Stages: Stage One (Launch): The spacecraft begins its journey by launching from the launch pad with an increasing speed. The velocity in this stage is influenced by Earth's gravity and atmospheric resistance. After One Minute: The spacecraft reaches a speed of approximately 1,600 kilometers per hour (km/h), reflecting a rapid acceleration powered by its engines. After Two and a Half Minutes: The rocket boosters are jettisoned, allowing the spacecraft to reach a speed of about 4,800 km/h. At this point, the spacecraft becomes lighter, enabling it to accelerate more efficiently. Final Stage: By the end of the ascent phase, the spacecraft achieves its final speed of approximately 28,000 km/h, allowing it to enter the desired orbit around Earth. Through educational designs like this, the project provides enthusiasts with an opportunity to understand the intricate details of space missions in an engaging and simplified manner.
Credit: Ali Al-Edhari

Caption: This infographic, part of the Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers project, explores the extreme noise levels of rocket launches, particularly NASA’s Saturn V, one of the loudest sounds ever recorded. Rocket Launch Noise Levels Rockets generate immense energy, much of which converts into powerful sound waves. Measured in decibels (dB), here’s how rocket noise compares to other sounds: 204 dB – Loudest recorded launch (Saturn V) 195 dB – Typical rocket launch 140 dB – Threshold for permanent hearing loss 125 dB – Sound begins to cause pain 90-95 dB – Prolonged exposure can cause hearing damage 80 dB – Household appliances 60 dB – Normal conversation Why Are Rockets So Loud? The extreme noise results from burning fuel and the rapid expulsion of gases at high speeds, creating intense pressure waves. For massive rockets like Saturn V, the sound waves can cause structural damage to nearby buildings and equipment. Water suppression systems are used to absorb and reduce these powerful sound waves. Comparison to Everyday Sounds Vacuum cleaner: 70 dB Busy traffic: 90 dB Concert speakers: 120 dB Rocket launch: Over 200 dB, louder than any naturally occurring or man-made sound on Earth Why This Matters in Space Engineering Understanding rocket noise helps engineers design launch pads that protect astronauts, equipment, and nearby structures. Special materials and suppression systems minimize sound vibrations, ensuring safer and more efficient launches.
Credit: Ali Al-Edhari

Caption: This infographic, part of the Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers project, explores how advancements in technology have significantly reduced the cost of launching spacecraft into orbit over time. The Evolution of Space Launch Costs Since the 1960s, space travel has been expensive. The Saturn V rocket, which carried Apollo missions, cost over $50,000 per kilogram. However, technological innovations and private space companies have drastically lowered these costs. Key milestones in reducing launch costs: 1960s-1970s: Traditional rockets like Soyuz and Saturn V had extremely high costs. 1980s-1990s: The Space Shuttle introduced partial reusability but remained expensive. 2000s-Present: Private companies like SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight with reusable rockets, cutting costs dramatically. How SpaceX Changed the Game SpaceX’s reusable rockets have significantly reduced costs, making space travel more affordable. Falcon 9: Lowered costs to around $2,700 per kg. Starship (Upcoming): Expected to reduce costs below $100 per kg, making space travel more accessible. Why Lowering Launch Costs Matters With reduced costs, space exploration is entering a new era, enabling: 1. Greater accessibility for developing nations and research institutions. 2. Expansion of Moon and Mars missions. 3. Growth of the commercial space industry, including tourism and industrial projects in orbit. Conclusion The dramatic decrease in launch costs marks a turning point in space exploration. As technology advances, affordable space travel is becoming a reality, bringing humanity closer to exploring the universe on an unprecedented scale.