You will design a mission to a space destination of your choice.
Goal: Put together a clear, organized mission plan that includes all six required components:
Mission Objective
Trajectories and Orbits
Spacecraft
Launch Vehicle
Mission Integration
Mission Management and Operations
Key Vocabulary:
Mission objective: the main goal or purpose of the mission.
Trajectory: the path the spacecraft takes through space.
Orbit: a path around a planet or moon.
Transfer orbit: the path used to go from one orbit (or planet) to another.
Launch vehicle: the rocket that carries the spacecraft into space.
Payload: the part of the spacecraft that does the mission (science instruments, rover, etc.).
Integration: making sure all pieces fit and work together.
Ground station: a place on Earth that communicates with the spacecraft.
Launch window: a period of time when it is good to launch because orbital positions are favorable.
Destination
What is your destination? You may select any object in the solar system or universe.
Why did you select this destination?
Mission Objective
List 1 specific scientific or practical goal.
Example goals: study atmosphere, search for signs of life, test new technology, deliver supplies.
I know the mission has been successful when
Trajectories and Orbits
Describe the path your spacecraft will take. Will it: go straight to the destination, use gravity assists, enter orbit first, or fly by?
Spacecraft
Name your spacecraft.
List 3 instruments your spacecraft would carry.
Identify one major engineering challenge. Example challenges: power for long missions, heat protection for reentry, surviving radiation.
Launch Vehicle
Pick the type of rocket or launch method (solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, heavy-lift rocket, or reusable rocket).
Why is this rocket a good choice?
Example: “Heavy-lift rockets can carry more mass so they can send a large lander and rover together.”
Mission Integration
List 2 tests or checks that engineers must do before launch. Examples: vibration test, thermal/vacuum test, communications check.
For one of the tests, what might go wrong and how would engineers fix it?
Mission Management and Operations
State 3 team(s) or roles are needed to run the mission.
Examples: mission director, flight controllers, scientists, communications team, ground station operators.
Describe the main operations during the mission in 3 small steps.
Example: “1. Launch and separation. 2. Cruise and mid-course correction. 3. Arrival, orbit insertion, landing.”
How would you handle a communication blackout or emergency?
Name an ethical or safety issue.
Example: “Do not bring Earth germs to places that might have life.”
Reflection
What part of the mission design was easiest for you and why?
What part was hardest and what helped you make progress?