From Design to Launch: Making Spacecraft Work

Objective: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of systems engineering in designing and constructing a space station. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of systems engineering in the development of propulsion systems for space exploration.
Focus Question(s): What is the importance of systems engineering? How is systems engineering applied to construction and operation of the International Space Station? How is systems engineering important to high power electric propulsion systems for Solar System exploration?
Length:	45-60 minutes
Grade Level:	7-16
NASA Mission:	Space Operations, Exploration Systems
National Science Standards:	Science As Inquiry Understandings About Scientific Inquiry (7-12) Science And Technology Understandings About Science and Technology (7-12) History And Nature Of Science History Of Science (5-8) Historical Perspectives (9-12)
NASA Presenter:	Bryan Palaszewski – bryan.palaszewski@nasa.gov
Advanced Preparation:	Use the following URLs to explore the focus questions: Systems Engineering Shishko, R., NASA Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA SP-6105, 1995. International Space Station (ISS) Familiarization International Space Station Evolution Data Book - Volume 1. Baseline Design - Revision A International Space Station Evolution Data Book - Volume 2. Evolution Concepts - Revision A Fact Sheets and Space Station History Power for Space Vehicles: http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2001/TM-2001-210593.pdf http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/1999/TM-1999-208894.pdf http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2001/CR-2001-210767.pdf http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2003/TM-2003-212596.pdf http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/1993/CR-191136.pdf http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2003/TM-2003-212227.pdf The Wright Brothers: Innovation Through Engineering Preview the PowerPoint Presentations developed for this session: 1 2 3 4 Completion of one or more of the pre-conference activities is recommended: Grades 5-8:Slow And Steady Wins The Race…To Distant Space Grades 5-8:Building A Better Booster Grades 5-8:Destination: Mars Grades 5-8:Escape Velocity: Fun And Games Grades 9-12: Hyper-X: Greased Lightning
Systems engineering is the study of the interactions of various parts of a spacecraft and the methods used to help them harmoniously work together. The event illustrates the importance of systems engineering and the application of its principles to several design examples, including the International Space Station and high power electric propulsion systems for Solar System exploration. The event can be geared to certain grade levels. Post-Conference Activities: Starship 2040: Passport to the Future, NASAexplores Grades 5-8: Light From A Motor Grades 9-12: Air Power Links to additional research on Lessons Learned and Project Management: http://appl1.nasa.gov/ask/issues/13/practices/ask14_preview_madden.html http://appl1.nasa.gov/ask/issues/13/practices/ask14_preview_lessons_learned.html http://appl.nasa.gov/ask/issues/12/stories/ask12_stories_earthlyconsiderationsonmars.html http://appl.nasa.gov/ask/issues/13/special/index.html http://appl.nasa.gov/ask/issues/14/features/ask14_requirements_little.html
Advanced Notice Recommended:	4 weeks
Frequency of Presentation:	Once a month
Availability of Presenter:	Varies
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