LIVE INTERACTIVE YOUR DESKTOP October 17, 2011 Engineering Design Challenge: Spacecraft Structures Presented by: Kristy Hill

Spacecraft Structures NASA Engineering Design Challenges

Syllabus Activity Overview Activity Overview NASA Connection NASA Connection Teacher Preparation Teacher Preparation The Design Challenge The Design Challenge Modifications and Extensions Modifications and Extensions

Overview of Spacecraft Structures

Inside the guide

National Standards Physical Science ◦ Motions and forces ◦ Transfer of Energy Science and technology ◦ Abilities of technological design Science as inquiry ◦ Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Value to the Teacher Easy to navigate Easy to navigate Supports content standards Supports content standards Background, resources, and masters Background, resources, and masters

Value to Students Based on a real-world problem Based on a real-world problem Use creativity, cleverness, & scientific knowledge Use creativity, cleverness, & scientific knowledge Develop presentation & communication skills Develop presentation & communication skills

Let’s Pause for Questions Please type your questions in the chat!

NASA Connection

Why is it important to make the launch vehicle as lightweight as possible? [Type responses in the chat]

Background NASA uses lightweight, strong materials for launch vehicles NASA uses lightweight, strong materials for launch vehicles Focus on thrust structures Focus on thrust structures NASA’s history of testing rockets NASA’s history of testing rockets

Saturn V Space Shuttle Ares I Ares V

Saturn V First Stage

Saturn V Second Stage

Saturn V Third Stage

External Tank (ET) 2 Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) Orbiter The whole system is called the Space Shuttle. STS-133 (Space Transportation System)

Space Shuttle Flight

Rocket Staging Which was used for Apollo? Which does the Space Shuttle use?

Space Launch System NASA is moving forward with the development of the SLS, an advanced heavy-lift vehicle that will provide a new national capability for human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.

Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle

Splash Test Parachute Test Orion Heat Shield prototype Orion Testing Pad Abort Motor Test

Human Factors This full scale model of a portion of a rocket design that was built at Marshall Space Flight Center to see how the pieces would fit together. When this rocket needs servicing, will a human be able to get to the appropriate place safely and without damaging the parts of the rocket? This is the one of the stages of the rocket.

The Lesson in Detail

Thrust Structures

What are some ways NASA engineers could make a launch vehicle as lightweight as possible? [Type responses in the chat]

The Challenge: Build the lightest weight thrust structure that will withstand the force of launch to orbit at least three times. Build the lightest weight thrust structure that will withstand the force of launch to orbit at least three times.

The Design Challenge

Engineering Design Process

Design and Results Sheets

Design Constraints Use only the specified materials Use only the specified materials Must be taller than 5 centimeters Must be taller than 5 centimeters Must allow space in the center for fuel lines and valves (represented by 35mm-film canister without lid) Must allow space in the center for fuel lines and valves (represented by 35mm-film canister without lid)

Definition: Launch to orbit = propelling a 1-liter bottle of water approximately 1-meter into the air Launch to orbit = propelling a 1-liter bottle of water approximately 1-meter into the air

Definition:

Classroom Sessions Session 1: Introducing the Challenge and Getting Started Session 1: Introducing the Challenge and Getting Started Session 2: Design 1 Session 2: Design 1 Sessions 3 and 4: Designs 2, 3, 4, 5 Sessions 3 and 4: Designs 2, 3, 4, 5 Session 5: Storyboard/Poster Session 5: Storyboard/Poster Session 6: Student Presentations Session 6: Student Presentations

Comparing rockets

If it costs $10,000 to lift a pound (half a kilogram) of payload into orbit, calculate the cost of sending yourself into space. (Sharing is optional)

Let’s Pause for Questions Please type your questions in the chat!

Teacher Preparation

Time and Materials 4-8 hours of prep time 4-8 hours of prep time Six 45 minute class periods Six 45 minute class periods Build the launcher and rocket Build the launcher and rocket Materials for classroom activity Materials for classroom activity

Teacher Kit Kit available from NASA CORE at Kit available from NASA CORE at

Let’s Pause for Questions Please type your questions in the chat!

Modifications and Extensions

Customizations Allow modifications of cardboard Allow modifications of cardboard Allow repairs Allow repairs Increase the rocket mass Increase the rocket mass Design with alternative materials Design with alternative materials Limit designs by cost (budget) Limit designs by cost (budget)

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