How does a rocket take off into space? Why must most of its mass be fuel? What is the escape velocity? How do spacecraft use gravity to swing around the solar system? How do you navigate in space? In this brilliant little book, rocket scientist Caroline P. Lubert reveals the elegant physics that carries spacecraft from launch pad into orbit and deep space, including Newton's laws, the dreaded rocket equation, staging, suits, propulsion, nozzles, and almost everything you need to reach the moon.