How We Make Rockets That Reach the Moon

Join Dr. Roger Billings and the Science Live team as we explore how we make rockets that reach the Moon, featuring NASA’s Artemis II mission — the first crewed return to the Moon in over 50 years!

In this lesson, discover what makes the massive SLS rocket so powerful: its giant solid rocket boosters, liquid hydrogen fuel, and the incredible engineering that lifts millions of pounds into space. You’ll also explore the advanced Orion spacecraft, the groundbreaking laser communication system that beamed HD video from 240,000 miles away, and the record-breaking 252,000-mile journey that took humans farther from Earth than ever before.

Whether you’re a budding space enthusiast, curious about the Artemis program, learning about rocket science, or dreaming of becoming an astronaut, this lesson has something for you. Perfect for students who want to understand the real engineering and technology behind sending rockets — and people — all the way to the Moon and beyond!

➡️ r-51’s Martian Pet Rock Guide

About DrB

Dr. Roger Billings is a visionary innovator whose work has touched the lives of millions of students and transformed the landscape of education. Widely known as “DrB” to the countless kids who benefit from his groundbreaking Acellus learning system, Dr. Billings has dedicated his life to advancing education through technology. As part of DrB’s lifelong commitment to supporting education, Science LIVE was launched as a way to “give back” by mentoring students in conjunction with the Roger Billings Scholarship Program.


Read more about DrB » 
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »

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10,467 Comments

  1. Zephaniah

    This is amazing!

    Reply
  2. Aaron

    Amazing video, great job!

    Reply
  3. Zoey

    Science live is awesome

    Reply
  4. Zoe

    Why did R-51’s rocket launch on its own?

    Reply
  5. Adrienne

    Nice lesson!

    Reply
  6. Adrienne

    Nice episode!

    Reply
  7. Zachary

    I am really excited about the college prep English course! Do I have to take the first 3 English courses first or can I do it anytime?

    Reply
  8. Zaren

    how long did it take to make a rocket ship

    Reply
  9. Zafirah

    I Love watching these every week it makes my week

    Reply
  10. A`niyah

    I really enjoyed this science live this week. Very interesting to watch, cant wait for the next.

    Reply
  11. Addison

    Learning how Artemis got back to earth safely was neat.

    Reply
  12. Abagail

    Nice Video

    Reply
  13. Adam

    Rockets are so amazing also the space facts are really fun to learn thanks alot for the information cant wait for the next video

    Reply
  14. Zayd

    Nice job on the video

    Reply
  15. Yasmine

    Hi, another great science live .
    Thank you.

    Reply
  16. Adia

    This was a really cool lesson!! It was interesting learning how people make rockets go all the way to the moon!!

    Reply
  17. Zoe

    I really liked learning about Ethernet, but i think learning about rockets flying to the moon is way cooler.

    Reply
  18. Ziyan

    Great! Amazing topic!

    Reply
  19. Addison

    watching the space shuttle circle the moon and hearing the astronauts stories was really interesting.

    Reply
  20. Adalynn

    I really liked the lesson from Dr Tobias!! Amazing science live this week! cant wait for next week

    Reply
  21. Zachary

    What year will we be touching down on the moon?

    Reply
  22. Adrianna

    Can’t wait for next weeks live!

    Reply
  23. Aidan

    The advancement of technology has come a long way since the 1960’s

    Reply
  24. Zalea

    It was sooo cool to watch the capsule fall to Earth again. Needs some work in the plumbing to run things smoother next time though, haha.

    Reply
  25. Abygail

    I loved today’s science class!

    Reply
  26. Abigail

    When it’s anything about space or going to space I love it.

    Reply
  27. Zoey

    I am so fascinated by space travel! -ZoeyC

    Reply
  28. Zoey

    When did we start exploring space?

    Reply
  29. Zoey

    What is the closest planet that could be habitable by humans?

    Reply
  30. Abigail

    I’m excited for the next Science Live, they’re great additions to the week.

    Reply
  31. Addison

    Thank you.

    Reply
  32. Xiyuan

    I’ve got a great idea! There should be an,”ask Acellus” section in science live where students can report problems an acellus answers back!

    Reply
  33. Zoe

    nothing like science life on a spring night while the fireflies glue

    Reply
  34. Abigail

    I watched the Artemis landing and it was certainly the extraordinary thing I’ve ever seen! Amazing Science Live as always!

    Reply
  35. Yuvraj

    I love science live and it was amazing to watch the Artemis 2 capsule fall back to earth and the rockets were very cool.

    Reply
  36. Abby

    Hi, I hope you all have a wonderful day.

    Reply
  37. Adeilia

    The rockets are super cool! i think space is pretty interesting cant wait for the next one!

    Reply
  38. Adelise

    Ive always been fascinated by rockets, learning more about them is so cool!

    Reply
  39. Abigail

    I want some moon rocks from r51!

    Reply
  40. Aaliyah

    I like to get one of Area 51’s moon rocks!

    Reply
  41. Xander

    No Proteges?!

    Reply
  42. Abigail

    I’m glad we’ve developed ways to explore outside the pebble in the universe we call Earth.

    Reply
  43. Abigail

    The rocket is so cool.

    Reply
  44. Zen

    who came up with the first rocket design to go to the moon

    Reply
  45. Adela

    how does it work like that 😨

    Reply
  46. Aaliyah

    Can the you talk with the laser on the spaceship from anywhere in space?

    Reply
  47. Zyann

    Loved this !!! See you next time .

    Reply
  48. Addalyn

    loved this one!!!

    Reply
  49. Zuri

    thank u for today’s video I really enjoyed it

    Reply
  50. Adalynn

    I flew on a plane for my first time last year

    Reply
  51. Zuleyka

    I took the college prep English course and it was very helpful!

    Reply
  52. Aidan

    Could you make a hydrogen powered rocket or space shuttle?

    Reply
  53. Aidan

    Could there be a hydrogen powered rocket?

    Reply
  54. Abigail

    R51 made me laugh!

    Reply
  55. Addison

    This is the best video I’ve ever seen!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  56. Yzabella

    I love science live!! ^^

    Reply
  57. Adrian

    I love space missions!

    Reply
  58. Zane

    I liked learning about what is happening in outer space, and how MIT helped NASA make new technology and how technology is improving in sending data through outer space.

    Reply
  59. Aberdeen

    Next trip: Mars! (fingers crossed, anyways) :3

    Reply
  60. Zariyah

    this life science was so fun!

    Reply
  61. Zophie

    It was incredible to learn about how rockets are created. I always loved space this video was great.

    Reply
  62. Addison

    This week’s science live was really cool, it was fun learning about our most recent trip to space!

    Reply
  63. Aeris

    I followed Artemis 2.

    Reply
  64. Zorion

    Do you think we will go back to the moon/do more missions in space? Awesome video Science Live

    Reply
  65. Xavier

    I think space is really cool.

    Reply
  66. Zoee

    I love rockets! This science live was very fun

    Reply
  67. Abbie

    This is so Interesting

    Reply
  68. Colbie

    It was neat to watch the Artemis 2 capsule fall back to earth. I hope the next missions go a little more smoothly in the plumbing department.

    Reply
    • Zoe

      totally agree

      Reply
    • Yusuf

      that was so cool

      Reply
    • Aiden

      I really liked this episode of science live and liked the idea of them making it to space

      Reply
  69. Irelynd

    Those rockets were super amazing, I love the space missions and space facts, can’t wait for next weeks Science Live!!! ^^

    Reply
    • Zane

      Seen rocket take off. Best science live so far!! Thanks.

      Reply
    • Aiden

      I love scinece live

      Reply
    • A

      love science live

      Reply
    • Zoe

      Really cool.

      Reply
    • Ryan

      I think it would be cool to visit other planets.

      Reply
    • Brian

      Watched Science Lives in class as a group; Sending rockets \from the moon and back to earth with such speed is crazy.

      Reply
  70. Elijah

    Science live is one of my favorite parts of the week

    Reply
    • Abigail

      I want to be an astronaut!

      Reply
  71. Arabelle

    l loved watching this. I visited the National Air and Space Museum last week. And we going going to tour Mission Control in Houston next month.

    Reply
    • A

      Good for you

      Reply
  72. Warren

    How do they send messages from the Moon to Earth so far and fast?

    Reply
  73. Addison

    So Cool!

    Reply
  74. Luc

    What year will we be touching down on the moon?

    Reply
    • Addalyn

      Hi I love acellus

      Reply
    • Ximena

      I like this show, it interesting to hear about things that we made over the years and how science live tells us how they were made or how they came out to be.

      Reply
  75. Ruona

    I feel like the most important reason for going to Mars should be the research opportunities. We have so much to study on Mars, like how it’s gravity effects other planets, how it might have had a atmosphere and water, and how we can create terrariums and purify soil. We shouldn’t just think of it as a back up planet, but a learning opportunity to learn more about taking care of our own planet. Did you know that during the Apollo missions, only three people had the ability and autherization to pack the parachutes on the capsules?

    Reply
  76. Joshua

    Amazing science live this week! I really liked the lesson from Dr Tobias

    Reply
  77. Adrian

    How do you make a small experimental rocket?

    Reply
  78. Katherine

    I loved the part about the crocodile like creature that ate dinosaurs!

    Reply
  79. Aaliyah

    I watched the rocket launch at home with my family

    Reply
  80. Emma

    Thank you so much Dr. Billing for teaching us these things.

    Reply
  81. Bennett

    I’ve had dehydrated astronaut food at the space museum in San Diego.

    Reply
  82. Destinee

    This new Acellus course is definitely something I will need. As someone who has a fear of publicly speaking to a crowd, or even just one person this will help a lot. I am excited to become an Acellus graduate, I just need the proper guidance to be able to speak without fear especially when it comes to the work force.

    Reply
  83. Addie

    I love rockets. They are so fascinating. I love how the turbo engines work.

    Reply
  84. Isaac

    My family and I were in Florida and were at the local beach really close and got to watch the launch of Artemis 2 on April 1st. It was the perfect day. It was my mom’s birthday, we got up early went kayaking then to the beach for the afternoon. Then finished the day off watching the launch. It was so AWESOME. We were close enough we felt it and it made the metal fence by us rattle. And thanks to Acellus I get to do things like this, travel and experience life….not just sit daily in a classroom!!!Thank you for all you do.

    Reply
  85. Peacelyn

    This is so interesting

    Reply
  86. Teaghen

    Rockets are so cool i want to be in one

    Reply
  87. Aleigha

    Great Science Live! You always explain things so well!

    Reply
  88. Griffin

    I got to watch Artemis 2 at my house

    Reply
  89. Tierra

    I never knew that I would actually learn something about rockets but it was so interesting to learn about them.

    Reply
  90. Robert

    great video today as usual

    Reply
  91. Noah

    i wanna see a rocket in person one day!

    Reply
  92. Sam

    Very cool

    Reply
  93. Kaia

    science live is awesome!

    Reply
  94. Kaylen

    Rocks r fun

    Reply
  95. Marah

    I loved hearing about the SLS Rocket used in the second Artemis mission! I enjoy learning about spacecraft, so thank you!

    Reply
  96. Kinsley

    Thanks for the video.

    Reply
  97. Isabella

    I love science!

    Reply
  98. Wyatt

    I LOVE SCIENCE LIVE!!!!!! Do you think you can eventually put moon rocks in the Acellus store?

    Reply
    • Zoe

      that would be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Reply
  99. Evan

    That was a nice lesson for this week.

    Reply
  100. Ethan

    That was fun to watch!

    Reply
  101. Kylie

    I loved this weeks science live!

    Reply
  102. Averyanna

    Space is pretty

    Reply
  103. Declan

    Cool video today!

    Reply
  104. Cecilia

    Wow!I love science!

    Reply
  105. Keegan

    I like stars

    Reply
  106. Olivia

    Awesome video

    Reply
  107. Khya

    super interesting live! love it, see you next week

    Reply
  108. Aubrey

    Can you guys to more on space related stuff like lift offs and different historical events on it?

    Reply
  109. Kari

    I love the moon so much

    Reply
  110. Kayson

    I love science lives to bad we didn’t get to land on the moon this time

    Reply
  111. Michael

    great live as always. watching a little far behind, but still a good one nonetheless.

    Reply
  112. Madelyn

    Comment Love science live

    Reply
  113. Keegan

    Hi Dr. Billings,
    I’m working on being more open about who I am and how I express myself. I want people to know that it’s okay to present yourself in whatever way feels right for you, and that nobody should be judged for being authentic. I’m hoping to encourage others to feel confident expressing themselves too so if you can give me a shot out next week and spread this message that would be very help full thank you by the way my name is keegan also love the video

    Reply
  114. Jilliyan

    Thank you Dr. Billings for this amazing video!

    Reply
  115. Aubrie

    Love science live

    Reply
  116. Briana

    Woww!! These are always so informative!

    Reply
  117. Kayson

    Just started the school I love it so much

    Reply
  118. Eva

    I loved learning about rocket ships!! Amazing!

    Reply
  119. Amara

    Science is cool! Me and my friend love watching this 🙂

    Reply
  120. Charly

    I really enjoyed this episode i was glad to see you all again and learing about rockets was really entertaining to me, this has to be my favorite episode so far and r51 is so funny lol!

    Reply
    • Zoey

      Space is always so interesting to hear about!

      Reply
  121. Camilo

    Awesome!

    Reply
  122. Adalynn

    Space is really cool!! I wonder if ill go there someday

    Reply
  123. Caralee

    Can’t wait for the next video!!

    Reply
  124. Blake

    Watching from Ohio.

    Reply
  125. Elin

    Rockets are so fascinating

    Reply
  126. Evie

    Always like the topics.

    Reply
  127. Aaron

    Why was there a 31 foot crocodile eating dinosaurs in the prehistoric age

    Reply
    • King

      This was great!

      Reply
    • Jase

      Comedic affect man

      Reply
  128. Ella

    We love science live?

    Reply
  129. Jackson

    how long does it take to goe to the moon in a space craft

    Reply
  130. Vered

    Awesome video!

    Reply
    • Caralee

      Thanks for the video

      Reply
  131. Joshua

    i love watching science lives

    Reply
  132. Jackson-ray

    the science live today was amazing

    Reply
  133. Marcus

    This one was great. Rockets are cool.

    Reply
  134. Cali

    Hey from VA!

    Reply
  135. Cora

    Roger Billings has done so much for us by creating ACELLUS and teaching us each week with these Science Lives. Thank you Dr. Billings!

    Reply
  136. Xavier

    Science Live!

    Reply
  137. Piper

    This was so fun to watch today!

    Reply
  138. Jasper

    Science Live is my favorite part of the week!

    Reply
  139. Keegan

    thank you guys and girls for the amazing video i love it

    Reply
  140. Eric

    This is Eric from North Carolina. I loved how they made the replica the Deinosugas (is that how it’s spelled?) and I wonder how we could do that for more dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures!

    Reply
  141. Colt

    i love the science live

    Reply
  142. Katherine

    I love science Live!

    Reply
  143. Harley

    i love these videos!!

    Reply
  144. Nalayah

    Thank you for another amazing Science Live!

    Reply
  145. Devon

    I love learning about science

    Reply
  146. Nolan

    This was cool!

    Reply
  147. Colette

    Thanks for another fun and exciting wednesday!

    Reply
  148. Leo

    this taught be alot about stuff i never knew would be this useful. i love science.

    Reply
  149. Micha

    I liked Dr. John talking about the spaceship with the laser!

    Reply
  150. Duke

    Its cool how we discover other planet to see if there is life

    Reply
  151. Catherine

    I really enjoyed this science live. Thank you guys for making a fun yet educational learning .

    Reply
  152. Bradley

    the new coucer is going to be so useful for those teens who are about to go to college

    Reply
  153. Remy

    I love science lives they are so intriguing!

    Reply
  154. Hayden

    is deinosuchus the biggest known semi aquatic reptile?

    Reply
  155. Hunter

    If that girls gonna be my teacher, I will really enjoy that because she’ll be nice

    Reply
  156. Isabella

    I hope everyone is having a good day!

    Reply
  157. Acacia

    Thank you

    Reply
  158. Mckenzi

    These science lives truly teach you so much!

    Reply
  159. Danielle

    I liked it and it was interesting

    Reply
  160. Megan

    man ya gotta love r-51!!!

    Reply
  161. Rain

    How long does it take to get to the moon?

    Reply
  162. Owen

    I love space and I think this is cool

    Reply
  163. Winter

    it would be really cool to go to outer space

    Reply
  164. Evan

    I liked learning about the dinosucus.

    Reply
  165. Gaven

    how big was the biggest know deinosuchus?

    Reply
  166. Levi

    how is every ones week

    Reply
  167. Marchessa

    How long did it take for the first rocket to be built?

    Reply
  168. Zephyr

    how many boosters half the space ship have.

    Reply
  169. Kylar

    Wow this was a very cool yet interesting episode!

    Reply
  170. Zion

    Very interesting !!!

    Reply
  171. Jude

    I want to work for NASA when I grow up!

    Reply
  172. Dexter

    It’s nice seeing more classes catered towards college popping up!

    Reply
  173. Bailey

    i love science live its so educational, thank you

    Reply
  174. Rylan

    really enjoyed this

    Reply
  175. Hayden

    Thank you!

    Reply

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