Description
We are inspired by human space exploration, but these space robots can go places humans could never go - and for longer periods of time. Much of the exploration we've accomplished in the solar system is because of our ability to make robots and send them to explore. They travel as speeds humans could not endure, they don't need water, heat or food and they don't need to be entertained - they just work. Explore the many different kinds of robot emissaries we've sent into the solar system and what unexpected discoveries they've made for us. This Course includes the following great BONUS LESSONS: What on Earth is Astronomy?Mini-Lesson: EclipsesMini-Lesson: Meteor ShowersMini-Lesson: AuroraRobotic Space Exploration1. Objective2. Warm-up activities3. Glossary of terms4. Definition and characteristics of robotic exploring5. Robots in society and popular culture6. Advantages and disadvantages of space exploration using robotic craft7. Comparing and contrasting human and robotic spacecraft and exploration8. The dangers and challenges of manned space flight9. Why we explore10. Current robotic missions throughout the Solar SystemTypes of robotic missions and their applications in the Solar System11. Multistage rockets12. The space shuttleFlyby13. Fuel savings14. Chinese Moon observations15. Studying cometsOrbiters16. Long-term observations of Mars, including the Reconnaissance Orbiter17. Deceleration using air breaking and the first law of motion18. Long-term power from the Sun and power storage19. Communicating over large distances20. Cassini orbiter around SaturnLanders21. Landing techniques and challenges using rockets, airbags and parachutes22. Early Venus landings by the Soviet's Venera23. Venus Express24. Early Moon landers: Luna and Ranger25. Landing on a comet: the Philae landerRovers26. Entry, decent and landing27. Landers delivering rovers28. Sojourner and Opportunity rovers on Mars29. Distance limits, self-maintenance, energy and communication techniques30. Escaping from the landers after deliveryPenetrators31. Penetrator form and function32. Moon penetrator LCROSS looking for water33. Martian penetratorsObservatories34. Earth and Sun orbiting craft, including the Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer35. Advantages and disadvantages of observatories orbiting the Sun and EarthCommunication Craft36. Primary functions37. Deep-space communication systems and Solar System explorationAtmospheric Craft38. Function of atmospheric crafts39. Atmospheric studies done on Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn's moon Titan40. Detailed explanation of Huygens probe on Titan41. Multiple-category crafts42. Terrestrial planetsMercury43. Brief description of Mercury44. History of crafts to Mercury, including Mariner series45. Current crafts studying the planet46. Future missions to Mercury, including BepiColomboVenus47. Brief description of Venus48. History of crafts to Venus, including Venera and Mariner series49. Future missions to VenusMars50. Brief description of Mars51. History of crafts to Mars52. Communication delays with robots on Mars53. Current crafts studying the planet and their durations54. Future missions to Mars55. Space travel using the "Gravity Assist" method - description of the physics and practical application56. Crafts leaving the Solar System: Voyager and Pioneer series57. Test questions58. Cross-curricular activities
