Assembling A Space Mission

Warm-Up Questions CPS Questions (1-2) Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Lesson Overview How NASA plans and implements space missions The essential components of a space mission The selection and training of astronauts Chapter 5, Lesson 2

(Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS) Quick Write What example can you give from your own experience of having a “click” moment, like Wiseman’s, when you realized there was something in particular you wanted to do? What was that like? If you can’t think of an example from your own life, give one from the life of someone you know or know about. (Note to teacher: Use “Pick a Student” button in CPS) Chapter 5, Lesson 2

NASA’s Mission Congress established NASA in 1958 NASA’s overriding mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA

NASA’s Four Principal Directorates Mission directorates – four main organizations through which NASA carries on its work Aeronautics Exploration Systems Science Space Operations Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA/Sean Smith

How NASA Funds Its Space Missions and Programs NASA makes a budget request White House budget to the Congress Federal government doesn’t spend money unless and until Congress appropriates it Chapter 5, Lesson 2

The Process of Research and Development for a Mission NASA must think about what combination of spacecraft plus launch vehicle – or rocket – can best accomplish the mission goals Science Mission Directorate manages a complex list of research goals known as the Science Plan Chapter 5, Lesson 2

The Task of Building a Launch Vehicle Rocket – a type of engine that pushes itself forward or upward by producing thrust The heavier the payload – the cargo the rocket is to carry aloft – the bigger the launch vehicle it requires Different large companies build rockets under the agency’s supervision Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

The Task of Building Spacecraft Just as vital as the launch vehicle is the payload, or spacecraft Building of a spacecraft and the design of a mission are intimately connected NASA has to build a craft to do what the mission demands Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA/Jim Grossmann

Astronaut Training Candidates go through 20 months of additional training Training includes sessions in the classroom and in flight simulators – machines that duplicate what it’s like to operate an airplane or a spacecraft As well as learning to fly the T-38 high-performance training aircraft Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA.

Astronaut Training Astronaut candidates: get training on computers and software learn about rocket engines get to know their spacecraft intimately master the radios they will be working with Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA.

Preparing Communications Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) - a communication-signal relay system Can transmit to and receive data from spacecraft during at least 85 percent of the spacecraft’s orbit Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Data Relay Satellite Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA.

The Importance of Ground Support Operations Astronauts are at the top of a vast support structure Without critical help if not for the ground support personnel Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA

Qualifications Required to Become an Astronaut Bachelor’s degree - engineering, biological science, physical science, or math At least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft Pass a NASA space physical Must be US citizens Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA

Requirements for Mission Specialists Academic requirements like those for becoming an astronaut pilot Either professional experience or an advanced degree Vision requirements are not as strict Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Requirements for Payload Specialists Not part of the astronaut candidate program Must have appropriate education and training Chapter 5, Lesson 2

How NASA Selects Astronauts Highly qualified individuals for human space programs Civilian and military personnel may apply Personal interviews, medical screening, and orientation Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Duties of Commanders and Pilots Commander is responsible for the vehicle, the crew, the mission’s success, and safety Pilot helps the commander control and operate the spacecraft help deploy and retrieve satellites also may have a role in spacewalks or in other payload operations Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Duties of Mission Specialists Manage shuttle crew activity planning Detailed knowledge of their spacecraft and its systems Understand the operational characteristics, mission requirements and objectives, and supporting systems and equipment Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesy of NASA

Duties of Payload Specialists Those other than NASA astronauts who have specialized onboard duties Nominated by NASA, the foreign sponsor, or the designated payload sponsor Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Learning Check CPS Questions (3-4) Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Support your team by answering review questions Family Feud style! Activity 1: Family Feud Support your team by answering review questions Family Feud style! Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Activity 2: Challenging Astronaut Roles Reflect on which astronaut role you think is the most challenging. Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Activity 3: Future NASA Space Mission Look 20 years into the future and imagine that a new NASA mission is about to take off. How will you contribute to that mission? Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Technology Enrichment: Research on a NASA Astronaut Select one of the NASA astronauts from the list and create a brief 5-minute presentation (include PowerPoint slides) on their education, career and accomplishments. Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Review Congress established NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1958. NASA’s overriding mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. The building of a spacecraft and the design of a mission are intimately connected. Astronauts are at the top of a vast support structure. NASA developed the process for selecting astronauts to select highly qualified individuals for human space programs. Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Review Questions CPS Questions (5-6) Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Summary How NASA plans and implements space missions The essential components of a space mission The selection and training of astronauts Chapter 5, Lesson 2

Next… Done – Assembling a Space Mission Next – The Hazards for Spacecraft Chapter 5, Lesson 2 Courtesty of Hinode, JAXA/NASA