You Decide
Decision-Making Scenario
NASA is accepting proposals for a new space vehicle. The vehicle will travel from Earth to the International Space Station to the NOAA Satellite, and must be capable of docking* and loading / unloading cargo and passengers at each of these three locations. Proposals should include detailed drawings with detailed narrative descriptions of the space vehicle in the following stages:
- take-off
- docking to the International Space Station
- docking to the NOAA Satellite
New space vehicles must make use of new technologies. These include:
- efficient, low-cost propulsion both on Earth and in space
- new wing designs resulting from biomimetic research
- smart materials (Piezoelectric Materials, Ionic Polymers, Magneto/Electro-Rhological Fluids, Shape-Memory Alloys, or Magnetostrictive Materials)
The vehicle may use smart material(s) for improving any common process including:
- steering
- transitioning between ascent, cruise, and descent modes of flight
- docking at the International Space Station
- docking to the NOAA Satellite
Smart materials should not be used inefficiently, or used in preparation of events that are unlikely to occur. Proposals must include use of at least three of the five types of smart materials.
The vehicle must be capable of holding up to 20 people, cargo, and fuel. The total take-off weight can not exceed 2,041 tons. People on average should be expected to be 135 pounds and carry with them 20 pounds of personal luggage. Cargo may include tools and parts for maintenance and repair of the space station or satellite, as well as supplies for the space station.
The International Space Station is 400 km above Earth, and the NOAA Satellite is at approximately 830 km.
Use the information sheets in this activity to help you create your proposal.
* Docking is defined as remaining fixed relative to the destination and attached directly or indirectly to the destination.
Further Information