1. Space Exploration
To the Moon and Beyond

2. What is Space Exploration?
During the past few weeks, we have been learning about the solar system. Today, we will learn about the tools and technology that scientist have used to study the universe.
Space exploration is the physical exploration of outer space, both by human spaceflights and by robotic spacecraft.

3. Ancient Times
In ancient times, people observed the sky and asked questions about what they saw.
This earth-based observation of the universe was the beginning of astronomy.
Many ancient cultures believed the skies were mystical places that were the home of the gods.

4. Different Ideas in the Middle East
The idea that stars and planets were physical objects that obeyed knowable laws began in the Middle East.

5. Getting a Closer Look
Galileo, an Italian scientist, invented the telescope in the early 1600’s. This provided people a closer look into outer space.

6. What Could They See?
Early telescopes allowed astronomers to see craters on the moon and the moons of Jupiter.

7. Rockets
During the mid-twentieth century, the development of large liquid-fueled rocket engines made space exploration possible.
Rockets are an important part of space exploration because they allow scientist to launch equipment into space.
Sputnik 1, an unmanned satellite, was the first successful orbital launch.

8. Humans in Space
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin is credited with the first human space flight. His space craft, Vostok I, orbited Earth one time.
His flight lasted less than 2 hours.

9. One Small Step for Man…..
Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon.

10. Space Exploration Today
During the 1960’s, space exploration was focused on getting to the moon. Today, much of space exploration is focused on other parts of the universe.
For example, Viking I and Viking II are space probes that have successfully landed on Mars.

11. More on Space Probes
Space probes have also been used to gather information about Venus and Mercury, as well as the outer planets.

12. HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
The Hubble Space Telescope is a telescope that orbits above earth’s atmosphere.
It has beamed back hundreds of thousands of images that have helped scientists learn more about the age of the universe, the identity of quasars, and the existence of dark energy.

13. Mars Rover Mission
The Mars Exploration Rover mission is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the red planet.
The main objective of the mission is to search for answers about the history of water on Mars and to collect data about soil and rocks on Mars

14. Still Going
Some space probes, such as Voyager I and II, have traveled to the edge of the solar system and past all of the planets. These probes are still sending information back to Earth.

15. Review Compare and contrast astronomy and space exploration.
Compare and contrast space exploration during the 1960’s with space exploration today.
Why are rockets an important part of space exploration?

16. Hands-On Activity Let’s find out how rockets work.
Newton’s Third Law – every action has an equal and opposite reaction. How does that relate to a rocket?

17. Pop Rockets
Wrap and tape a tube of paper around the film canister. The lid end goes down.
You can tape fins to your rocket.
Roll a cone of paper and tape it to the rocket’s upper end this will be the nosecone.
Fill the canister 1/3 full of water and add ½ of a tablet.
Quickly snap the lid on and sit it on the table.
Stand back!!