How does Rocket Boys connect the importance of both science and mathematics in the constructing rockets?

I think that the book does a great job in linking up the
need for math and science to rocket development and space exploration.  The fact that
the book takes place during the Sputnik launch is extremely
important.  The launch of the Russian satellite was shown to capture the imagination of
young American students, who were driven and motivated to examine the issue of space
exploration and rocket launches because of Cold War fears, but also out of pure
curiosity and interest.  Science and mathematics are shown to be fields of inquiry in
which students can engage in trial and error, and can also satiate their curiosity and
intellectual interest.  Science and mathematics are also shown as ways in which one can
appropriate domains that were previously thought unreachable.  It is science and math
that allows the boys to dream and to escape the life of Coalwood.  It does not seem that
the Rocket Boys narrative is something that would have been as possible had the boys
been passionate about seventeenth century English Literature.  Finally, I think that
science and math are essential in the construction of rockets because it allows Homer to
forge a relationship with Isaac Bygovski, demonstrating that math and science are
universal languages that can be understood by anyone and can also help with the ends of
pursuing the construction of rockets.