Space Exploration  11/90



1. Tell the purpose of space exploration including

   a. historical reason,

   b. immediate goals in terms of specific knowledge

   c. Benefits related to Earth resources, technology,  and  new

      products.



2. Tell  about main steps in humanity's movement into  space  and

   tell the contributions of these individuals: Jules Verne, K.E.

   Tsiolkovsky,  Robert Goddard, Hermann Oberth, and  Werner  von

   Braun.



3. Build,  launch,  and recover a model rocket. * Make  a  second

   launch  to accomplish a specific objective.  (Rocket  must  be

   built  to meet the safety code of the National Association  of

   Rocketry.)  Identify and explain the following rocket parts:

   a. Body tube

   b. Engine mount

   c. Fins

   d. Igniter

   e. Launch lug

   f. Nose cone

   g. Payload

   h. Recovery system

   i. Rocket engine



4. discuss and demonstrate each of the following:

   a. The law of action-reaction

   b. How rocket engines work

   c. How satellites stay in orbit

   d. How satellite pictures of the Earth and pictures of  other

      planets are made and transmitted.



5. Discuss  what has been learned about the Moon and  planets  by

   manned  and unmanned spacecraft exploration and  the  possible

   benefits of new knowledge.  Do TWO of the following:

   a. Construct  a  data table of recent  information  about  the

      planets.  For each planet, give important facts,  including

      distance  from  the sun, period  of  revolution,  rotation,

      number of moons, etc.

   b. Make a scrapbook of magazine photographs and news clippings

      about planetary research.

   c. Design  a  spacecraft  that will be sent on  a  mission  to

      another planet to take samples of its surface and return to

      Earth.   Name the planet your spacecraft will visit;   and,

      in your design, show ho the spacecraft will work  and  cope

      with the environment of that planet.



6. Describe  the  purpose  and operation of  the  space  shuttle.

   Discuss the following:

   a. Main components

   b. Typical mission profile

   c. Payloads



7. Design  an Earth-orbiting space station.  Make drawings  or  a

   model of your station.  Within your design, consider and  plan

   for the following:

   a. Source of energy

   b. How it will be constructed

   c. Life-support systems

   d. Purpose and function



8. Discuss  with  your counselor two possible  careers  in  space

   exploration.



*- If  local  laws  prohibit launching  model  rockets,  doe  the

   following  activity: Make a model of a NASA  rocket.   Explain

   the functions of the parts.  Give the history of the rocket.