1. Assembling A Space Mission

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

3. 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

4. (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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

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

24. 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

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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

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

30. 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

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