Objectives

Space Station Science

 

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to list the major activities of the space station science program, explain the difference between short- and long- duration experiments conducted in microgravity, describe the physical and psychological effects of long duration spaceflight on astronauts, and list some of the scientific experiments that will be conducted on the ISS. Students will also be able to explain the recycling and solar power systems of the space station and will be able to calculate reboost maneuvers and fuel consumption.

Students will explore virtual-reality models, 3-D models, videos, on-line tutorials, and other multimedia links about the International Space Station on-orbit operations to accomplish this. Specifically, students will upon completing this unit of instruction, be able to:

  • Describe the components of the U.S., Japanese, and European Laboratories and list some of the initial experiments that will occur on board these modules
  • Explain the difference between short- and long-duration experiments conducted in microgravity and the importance of the ISS centrifuge
  • Describe the types of research that will be conducted on the ISS
  • Explain how the human body reacts over time in microgravity and some of the possible effects of long-duration spaceflight and list some of the counter measures employed on the ISS to combat their effects
  • Explain the designs for the TransHab and the X-38 and how these new technologies will revolutionize future space craft design
  • Analyze ways that the ISS will help to support future human spaceflight to the Moon, Mars and beyond
  • Calculate the amount of fuel used and time needed to reboost the ISS into a desired orbit
  • Calculate the amount and cost of O2 needed for a crew of 3 per day vs. a crew of 7 per day (including shipping and handling!).

Successful knowledge acquisition will be determined by students submitting a redesigned shuttle science experiment for the ISS, solving the Station Math question correctly, and by scoring at least 75% on the quiz. Students will describe the experiment as it was designed for the shuttle and how it could be adapted for a long-duration experiment. New objectives will be identified and possible results predicted.

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