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Title
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Audience |
Grade Level |
Thermal Protection System
When spacecraft travel at high speeds through the Earth's atmosphere they generate high temperatures on their surfaces due to frictional heating. Space vehicles must have thermal protection systems to protect them from this heat. In this challenge, students learn about the process of how NASA engineers design lightweight but effective reusable thermal protection systems. Working in two-person teams they design, build, and test a thermal protection system of their own design. They use simple materials such as wood dowels, aluminum foil and screening to build a model that can withstand the heat of a propane torch. |
Educators & Students
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6-10
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Spacecraft Structures
The structural elements that hold together an aerospace vehicle must be strong and as light as possible in order to minimize the fuel needed to get to orbit. NASA engineers continually strive to develop new materials and methods in structural design. In this challenge, students will undertake the problem of designing a strong but lightweight thrust structure that can withstand the launch of a bottle rocket by means of a wooden lever. Using simple materials such as: craft sticks, cardboard, and glue students strive to make their structure lighter while maintaining its' strength. |
Educators & Students
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6-10
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Electrodynamic Propulsion Systems
Current rocket-fueled propulsion satellites are expensive to launch because of the weight of the fuel. Also, the amount of fuel that can be carried is limited to the amount of space available on the spacecraft. NASA engineers are devising a system that uses the Earth's natural magnetism to push satellites into higher and lower orbits around the plants using an electronic conducting wire or "tether". Students will try to move a model "satellite" along a track using their own design with a specific set of materials. |
Educators & Students
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6-10
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