Gravity and drag both reduce the maximum altitude that a rocket can reach, increasing the cost of rocket flights. This study hypothesizes that rockets with a smoother surface will experience less drag and reach higher altitudes, given the same thrust as rockets with rough surfaces. To test this hypothesis, three identical model rockets were constructed and given finishes with varying degrees of surface smoothness: roughed with 40-grit sandpaper, unfinished, and glossed. Each rocket was outfitted with B5-4 motors and flown ten times. Flight results support the initial hypothesis, with the roughened-surface rocket reaching the apogee point at the lowest altitude and the glossed-surface rocket reaching it at the highest. In conclusion, the findings suggest that smoother surface finishes can reduce the drag force enough to affect altitude, thereby potentially increasing rocket efficiency and reducing fuel costs. Who is the primary audience?

The primary audience is scientists, especially experts in rocket science. They are the primary audience because the explanation that the speaker is giving to the audience has specific information that only people with knowledge in this field will understand correctly. Besides, the expert is talking about how they prove the hypothesis to be true and the steps that they followed. Only scientists can verify that the performed tests can corroborate the theory. If the speech is for an ordinary audience, the language would not be technical. It would be simpler so that the audience can understand it.