AE Unit 8
Orbits
Orbits Introduction

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!

Part 1: Basic Orbits

Engineering Design Process Overview

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

Part 3: STK Modeling

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

AE Unit 8 Map
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