A study of how people explore the Solar System using robotic spacecraft can be organized around three main categories: (1) the spacecraft, (2) the mission, and (3) the discoveries. Take notes on information in these categories so you can then compare and contrast these spacecraft.

Assignment:
1. Select 2 current spacecraft missions to study from the list at the end of this assignment or by using a general search page. Make sure they are spacecraft that have reached their target AND  they have made some discoveries.

2. Take notes in the areas below on each spacecraft.

3. Use a Venn diagram to: compare and contrast the spacecrafts and missions.

Some links to information about some spacecraft can be found at the end of this assignment

1. The Spacecraft: What are the dimensions of the machine, its equipment and instruments, its propulsion system, power supply, its cost, its cost per US citizen, who manufactured it and where?

Directories:

• Search for spacecraft at: http:// dir.yahoo.com/ Science/ Space/ Exploration/ Missions/
• NASA spacecraft mission homepages at http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/index.cfm

Some past and present and recently launched robotic spacecraft missions:

(Return to top of page)

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

Page address: