Now that we’re turning our attention to space, it’s important that we understand what types of orbits we can use to monitor or travel around our own planet or around others! In this unit you should be learning:
- The types of orbits and what they are used for
- The math and physics behind orbits and the energy of orbiting bodies
- How aerospace engineers plan and model orbits in real life
Our conversation about orbits will start with vocabulary and descriptions of orbits, as well as detailing the purpose of using each different kind. We’ll then dig into some of the math and physics behind orbits before digging into the Systems Tool Kit (STK) software for modeling orbital paths. As you investigate orbits, you’ll go through three major steps:
- STEP 1: Learn to identify and describe orbits of different types
- STEP 2: Practice some of the math and physics behind orbital mechanics
- STEP 3: Use STK to plan and investigate different orbits
When you’re all done, you’ll have the vocabulary, math, and modeling skills to investigate orbits of different types. You will also have looked at the orbital paths for the Malemute Mars Mission!
The first thing to cover in this unit is the basics of orbits. In this part, you’ll look at how different orbits are identified. You’ll look at orbits of different elevations, different shapes, and different purposes. These definitions and information will help us later as we plan out the orbits for our own surveying satellites.
GRADING & PROCESS
Take 1 full page of detailed notes on orbit types and descriptions
Take 1 full page of detailed notes on special orbits
Have Mr. Benshoof confirm your notes on orbits
Simple Orbits
Special Orbits
CC Orbits
Now that we know what kinds of orbits are available to aerospace engineers, it’s time to see some plotted out. In this unit, we’ll use math and physics to describe the path and energy of objects in orbit. For example, we’ll use what we know about trigonometry and sine waves to describe the period and inclination of the orbit. We’ll also use our algebra skills along with some physics equations to calculate the energy needs of objects in orbit.
These ideas will pair well with the Systems Tool Kit (STK) software. We’ll get our first experience with this modeling software that will let us define orbits and investigate the path of satellites. Together, this math and physics will give us the tools to carefully describe orbits of different kinds before we think about space travel and our mission to Mars.
GRADING & PROCESS
Take careful notes on the math and physics of orbital mechanics
Complete the Orbital Mechanics Assignment
Use the Orbit Tuner to create some basic orbits around Earth
Take the Unit 8 Quiz
Have Mr. Benshoof check-off your completed assignment & orbits
Orbital Mechanics: Physics
Orbital Mechanics: 1
Orbital Mechanics 2
STK System Modeler
All year long we’ve seen how aerospace engineers use simulations to model complex things. Orbits around Earth and other celestial bodies are no different: we need a simulation to plan out orbits. The Systems Tool Kit (STK) is the same software used by organizations like NASA and Space-X to plan the orbits for satellites, shuttles, and the ISS. This same software can be used to model orbits not just on Earth, but on other planets like Mars too!
For the final part of this unit, you will learn how to use some of the features of STK to create and model satellites. You’ll also be able to find the International Space Station and discover where to look in the sky to actually see it! Finally, we’ll use these tools to plan some surveying orbits around Mars for the continuing Malemute Mars Mission.
GRADING & PROCESS
Take 1 page of detailed notes on the STK Software
Complete the STK Tutorial
Complete the “Where is the ISS” challenge
Plan surveying orbits for the Malemute Mars Mission
Take the Unit 8 Quiz
Have Mr. Benshoof confirm your challenge and orbits
Part 1 Resources
Part 2 Resources
Part 3 Resources