http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_navigation/cub_navigation_lesson10.xmllessontext/xmlIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program, navigationspacesatellitesEarthplanetssolar systemtrajectoriesDeep Space Network (DSN)Central BodyKeplerian ElementsTrajectoryRangeElevationAzimuthDoppler

Students learn how engineers navigate satellites in orbit around the Earth and on their way to other planets in the solar system. In accompanying activities, they explore how ground-based tracking and onboard measurements are performed. Also provided is an overview of orbits and spacecraft trajectories from Earth to other planets, and how spacecraft are tracked from the ground using the Deep Space Network (DSN). DSN measurements are the primary means for navigating unmanned vehicles in space. Onboard spacecraft instruments might include optical sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

Spacecraft navigation sometimes means steering away from meteors or space debris. Amazingly, there are ~9,000 pieces of human-made debris orbiting the Earth, some of which travels at speeds fast enough to threaten spacecraft and satellites. This debris ranges in size from paint flecks to pieces the size of a bedroom. A paint fleck once smashed into a space shuttle windshield and became embedded deep in the thick glass. So, to protect spacecraft and satellites from damage, engineers use powerful radar to track the location of the debris, and use this information to guide space flights and adjust satellite orbits to avoid the debris. Understand the basic concept of an orbit around the Earth or sun. Understand the types of measurements that are made from Earth to track interplanetary spacecraft. Understand satellites and their usefulness in space exploration. Understand that navigational technology is based on fundamental math and science concepts 50TeachEngineering.orgPenny AxelradJanet YowellMalinda Schaefer ZarskeBate, R., Mueller, D. and J. White. Fundamentals of Astrodynamics, Dover Publications, Inc., 1971.http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/elements/http://athena.cornell.edu/http://education.jpl.nasa.gov/S11416DDInternational_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyF. Knowledge gained from other fields of study has a direct effect on the development of technological products and systems.68S11425BDColoradoScienceb. Describe methods and equipment used to explore the solar system and beyond 88S11426CFColoradoMathb. Use representations of linear functions to analyze situations and solve problems 88S114275BColoradoMathb. Apply properties of complementary, supplementary, and vertical angle relationships 88United StatesCopyright 2012 - Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulderhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2010-08-238Teacher