(Pixabay CC)
| Time: 8 weeks Level: 7-10 Key Learning Areas: ICT, Maths, Science Skills required: Low level IT skills |
The race to get into space has always been one of danger and excitement as engineers and scientists designed and built immensely powerful machines which were then piloted by some of the world’s most experienced pilots. Have you got what it takes to join in the exploration of what lies beyond our own planet?
Mission Report
How will you report on the development of your journey into space, from your first failures to your final, glorious success? Here are some ideas but feel free to try something different.
- Keep a blog of your work including screenshots of your spacecraft and missions. Record each time your goals and your progress towards those goals.
- Write newspaper articles for each stage of your space program – make them exciting, you have to sell those newspapers!
- Draw a timeline showing your major successes and failures.
- Demonstrate a successful flight to your mentor either live or using a pre-recorded video.
There are several options available for you to use in experiencing some of the challenges of getting to and returning from space. Some of these are free, some require payment, and others require some extensive installation and set up.
Flightgear.org
This is an open source flight simulator that includes space craft that will allow you to explore orbital flights. This a free program but requires some experience in installing software.
You can download Flightgear from their web site.
Kerbal Space Program
What do you need to take your astronaut into orbit? Designing a safe and efficient launch vehicle will take skill and the ability to think outside of the box. If you think it is simply a matter of sticking your astronaut on top of as many fuel tanks and engines as you can get then think again. You will need to consider:
- centre of gravity so that your rocket is stable
- decoupling rings so that spent fuel tanks can be jettisoned
- strengthening struts
- guidance system and fins to provide stability in flight
- and more
Kerbal Space Program can be purchased from the KSP website or from the Steam store.
Rentry
This is an accurate simulation of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions of the 1960s. The tutorials take you through the training flights step by step but there is an almost overwhelming amount of switches and gauges to work with. If you would like to see what was involved in getting into space and returning in those early flights then this might be for you.
Rentry runs on a PC only and links for purchase can be found on the Rentry website.
Orbiter
Orbiter is a realistic physics simulator which allows users to explore the Solar System in a number of spacecraft, both realistic, such as the Space Shuttle Atlantis; and fictional, such as the “Delta-Glider.”
Orbiter is free and available from the Orbiter website.
ISS Docking Simulation
This is a realistic simulation of controlling a spacecraft as it approaches the International Space Station for docking.
This a free, online simulation available from the SpaceX website.
Apollo Missions in Real Time
If you would rather follow the Apollo missions (11, 13 & 17) then this site allows you to follow the missions in real time. From the first person to step onto the surface of the moon (Apollo 11) to the excitement of a near tragedy (Apollo 13), and finally the final moon mission (Apollo 17), relive the excitement of our first steps to another planetary body.
All three missions are available from the Apollo in real time website.
