Construct a SatelliteYour mission is to design and build a satellite that will gather information about the Earth's surface. Before engineers at NASA can build the satellite, they need to see a model. The model must be homemade, no LEGO or other building toys permitted.
Using the information provided below, design and build a model satellite.
SCALE: 10cm = 1 meter(or 100cm) of actual size (in other words, your model will be 10 times smaller than the real thing). Keep the model close to the scale, but it doesn't need to be perfect.
All satellites have a minimum of Six subsystems (you need to incorporate each one into your model)
1. Instrument package & computer (the BRAIN!)
The instrument package contains all the sensors used to gather information about the Earth's surface. The computer receives instructions from ground control and tells the instruments (cameras, communications, navigation, etc.) when to turn on and off. The approximate size of the instrument package & computer is one meter cubed (10cm cubed on your model).
2. Receiving antenna
The receiving antenna is required to receive instructions from scientists on the ground, which then go to the Brain! The approximate size of the antenna is 20 cm in diameter (about 2 cm in diameter on the model). It often has a dish shape on the end.
3. Sending antenna
The sending antenna is used to send information collected by the sensors in the Brain, back to Earth. The approximate size of the antenna is 20 cm in diameter (about 2 cm in diameter on the model).
4. Data Recorder
The data collected by the sensors are recorded and saved until the data can be transmitted to Earth. The size varies. It is basically an extra hard drive that stores gigabytes of information.
5. Battery (power source)
Two batteries are needed to power the satellite. The size varies. One battery charges while the other is in operation.
6. Solar Array
A solar array is a collection of solar panels that work together to collect energy from the sun. The solar array charges the batteries. The satellite would "die" without the solar array. The size varies. Some satellite arrays are shaped like wings. Others have the solar tiles covering the entire outside surface of the satellite.
Building materials:
egg cartons, foam cups, cardboard tubes, aluminum foil, contact paper, old radio parts, etc. .... be creative. You will be assessed on: 1. incorporating the 6 components
2. solid construction
3. creative use of materials
