NASA Spacecraft to Mars Challenge NASA Spacecraft Design

NASA Spacecraft to Mars Challenge

NASA Spacecraft Design Challenge NASA has challenged all school-age students to design a new landing spacecraft that will be used on Mars. You will design a shock-absorbing system to protect two astronauts when they land. All students will work in teams and design a prototype that must pass testing standards.

What You Know What You Need to Know  

The Rules To test your prototype, your astronauts must survive a drop by remaining in the spacecraft. The spacecraft surviving the highest drop will win. *Remember that the spacecraft will be traveling at a fast speed. *You must plan a design that can take the shock of landing. *You must design a spacecraft that doesn't fall over and eject the 
astronauts. (You cannot put a lid on the cup made of anything 
including tape. )

Materials Available Small plastic cup 1 piece of stiff cardboard 3 Index cards 2 Regular marshmallows (your astronauts) 10 miniature marshmallows 3 rubber bands 8 plastic straws scissors tape Your Job Assignments: Go-getter = you go get the materials/clean up Recorder = you record the design that you agree upon/watch time.

Steps to Follow- The Design Cycle 1. Draw a plan with your team. 2. Create the spacecraft. 3. Test your spacecraft. 4. Improve the spacecraft. How You are Graded 1. Turn in a complete drawing with your team 2. Group cooperation and participation: Did you complete your job assignment? 3. Test your prototype (it does not have to win) 4. Following directions 5. Your written reflection

Before you start, let's view some videos of spacecrafts. We will also look at the moon landing. It is the only spacecraft to land on another surface with humans aboard. How to Land Your Rover - 
 16 min. Landing on the Moon- 10 min.

Blast Off, Teams!