LIVE INTERACTIVE YOUR DESKTOP April 11, 2011 NES: NASA 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

What you’ll find inside

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, and scientific knowledge Use creativity, cleverness, and scientific knowledge Develop presentation and communication skills Develop presentation and 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’s use of lightweight, strong materials for launch vehicles NASA’s use of 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

Which vehicle is the shortest? a) Saturn V b) Space Shuttle c) Ares I d) Ares V

B. Space Shuttle

Which vehicle has the least weight at takeoff? a) Saturn V b) Space Shuttle c) Ares I d) Ares V

Launch Vehicles

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

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

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)

Thrust Structures

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

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)

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!

The Design Challenge

Engineering Design Process

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

Design and Result Sheets

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

Modifications and Extensions

Brainstorm Board

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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