Students Explore Space

Planetary Science

Through the tutorials we were able to gain an understanding as to the placement and classification of planets/celestial bodies in the solar system; the history regarding planetary discoveries, technological/space advancements and major events; and specific parts of the solar system e.g. moons, planets, asteroids, asteroid belts, dwarf planets, goldilocks zone, etc. Additionally planet properties e.g. radius, orbital distance, tilt angles, surface and atmospheric composition, etc), as explored through the planet designer challenge. Which was very fun and intriguing, as well as very informative regarding the visual aspect of changing certains planet properties.

Spacecraft Design and Assembly

Through the program we learnt about spacecrafts; space vehicle structures e.g. International Space Station and how they overcome certain issues like debri and radiation in space hitting the spacecraft; spacecraft efficiency regarding delta V (change in velocity); internal BUS systems and how they contribute to a spacecrafts designed functionally and structurally; important resources required in a spacecraft e.g. water, oxygen, food, temp, power, engine types (present and future visions and how they can be acquired, recycled or have a particular effect on the astronauts inside the spacecraft and the physical structure of the spacecraft itself. As a result of the software, We were able to learn about certain designing spacecraft elements such as: different propulsion system; optimal power generations; engine types; how to effectively utilise the limiting mass while maximising output (regarding energy and resources).

Orbital Mechanics and Remote Sensing

Furthermore, the tutorials gave me specific insights into formulas pertaining to gravity; kepler's laws and keplerian elements (which before we had no idea about); types of orbits e.g. low, middle and geosynchronous orbits, as well as molniya and Sun-synchronous orbits; specific rocket maneuvers e.g. the Hohmann transfer), transfer orbits and planetary gravitational assist (we found this particularly very interesting); the sphere of influence; reference frames; as well as how to scan a planet. All of the above knowledge had to be applied when we designed a trajectory from Earth to Vulcan. As we had to visually consider aspects such as the keplerian elements e.g. Inclination, apogee, perigee, ascending and descending node, anomaly, etc), Hohmann transfers, eccentricity, inclination, etc.

Atmospheric Entry and Landing

Possibly the hardest task that was set on any of the days. We were challenged to land a simulated space shuttle on the planet “Vulcan” of which we had charted the course to on the previous day. This challenge was nearly impossible, with a limited amount of fuel and the very small area that was our target landing space we attempted to slow the shuttle down to a speed of less than 20 m/s upon landing. In the end the only person on our team who managed to land the spacecraft was Adi who put together a total of above thirty attempts

Habitat Construction

The habitat construction task taught us what was necessary for astronaut survival and what they had to bring from earth. We had to plan our habitat accordingly based on how much storage space on our spacecraft and the amount of landers we had. This is because each lander could only carry 50,000 kgs, so we had to make sure the contents of the habitat didn’t exceed the limit. When building the habitat we had to include; an airlock, rover, greenhouse (for food), ways of storing and generating power, crew quarters and science equipment. All of which are essential to crewmate survival. We also received a sustainability score which told us how long we could survive on the planet based on how much food, water power etc. we had.

Surface Exploration

The surface exploration task had us survey the area around our landing zone. The most important part of this exercise was the landing zone we picked in the orbital mechanics part of the course. This is because when we did our scan of the planet we could see the amount of each element in different areas, an ideal landing spot was where there was some of each of the elements. In this exercise we had 10 minutes to drive on the planet's surface to harvest different elements and other essentials that are required for the crewmates to survive. We had to get methane, water, aluminium and energy. Again we got a sustainability score which would vary depending on the amount of water found.