Mission Planning
MISSION PLANNING – TEACHERS NOTES
The Mission Planning module can be used as the concluding part of the whole Mars in
the Classroom project, or as a stand alone practical. It should be noted, however, that a
certain amount of prior knowledge (such as some idea of what the globe of Mars looks
like and a broad understanding of planetary subjects such as impact cratering,
volcanoes and geological vocabulary) is assumed. The project will take about two
hours and is entirely paper based. This is another reason why it is best run after a
series of practicals, so that the students can apply what they have learned
experimentally to an abstract, ‘pen and paper’ exercise.
Activity sheet - aims and benefits
The aim of the module is to design a viable mission to Mars. The equipment, funding
levels and aims are all purely fictitious but the basic questions asked of students are
exactly those that real mission designers have been struggling with for decades. The
problems of cost, public (and political) support, risk analysis and scientific return are all
dealt with, albeit in a simplified manner.
Compromises and difficult decisions must be made in order to make the mission
workable. The students will soon find that they can’t do everything and must learn to
abandon certain goals. This kind of divergent thinking is important because there are
no right or wrong answers. The same aims may be achieved in several ways using
different strategies.
It is suggested that the students work in small groups. This will result in a lot of
‘arguing’ about landing sites, goals and equipment, and teaches students to justify their
decisions to their peers, and to distribute the workload and brainstorm for ideas. The
project can be set for individuals, but weaker students may find some of the concepts
difficult.
Handy hints and procedure
Only the two page Student Notes (Introduction) handout should be given to the
students to begin with so that they are not distracted by the amount of technical data
that comes later. The second sheet of this provides a list of important things they
should use as a reference/checklist throughout mission planning.
When they have read the introductory notes they can be given the two technical notes
handouts and some working copies of the five different activity sheets. When the
mission planning is complete, every group member should fill in the final report
handout, so that each student can justify the choices made in the design process. In
addition, one neat copy of each activity sheet should be made by each group to
represent their finished proposal. A complete list of the eight handouts in this module is:
Student Notes (Introduction)
Technical Notes: (Technical Data)
Activity Sheet (Timeline)
Activity Sheet (Capacity Checklist)
Mission Planning (Teacher Notes)
Technical Notes (Goals and Landing Sites)
Activity Sheet (Power Supply)
Activity Sheet (Mission Costs)
Activity Sheet (Final Report)
1
Assessing the final missions
At the end of the Mission Planning, you can set up a ‘Selection Panel’ or just act as a
selector yourself, and ask each group to make a short presentation to the class
describing their mission and why they think it should fly (see the Summary section for
more details). It is important to be able to roughly asses the quality of each mission for
these presentations, or just from the sheets if you decide not to ask for group
presentations. In order to achieve ‘high marks’ in this project, a certain amount of
imagination must be combined with rigid attention to budgets. Certain criteria HAVE to
be met…
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
The financial budget must not be overspent.
The weight capacity of spacecraft must not be overloaded.
Astronauts must be fed!
The mission must not overrun the time limit.
The Mars base must have sufficient power.
Sufficient scientists/pilots/power must be supplied for the labs in order to achieve
any scientific returns.
In addition, the choice of landing site should be compatible with the scientific aims the
students have set and the science labs they have chosen for the mission. Imaginative
thinking outside the scope of the handouts should also be encouraged. For example,
just because the main expedition aim is too study volcanoes, credit should be given to
students who realise that there are plenty of craters around as well and plan to send an
extra field geologist to study them!
The perfect mission should also aim to minimise the risk of failure. Although no
‘numeric value’ of risk is given, certain comments in the technical notes about ‘risk’
should not be ignored. A mission that uses a high risk landing site, nuclear energy and
a minimum of crew (none of whom are trained as medics!) should be penalised for its
lack of humanity!
An example mission is included with fully completed activity sheets to help both you with
assessment and the students with filling in the sheets during planning.
Things to point out to the students
1. The funding limit is left to the teacher so this must be clearly stated. $50B will be
enough for a ‘bare-bones’ mission, $70B enough for a more developed mission.
Individual groups could be given different levels of funding to contrast missions.
$55B is the recommended standard budget.
2. There is no right or wrong! As long as the various mission constraints (weight, cost
etc.) are met then the mission is ok!
3. You do not need to take all the fuel you need to power the return vehicle. Much of
the fuel can be made when you get to Mars.
4. Surface equipment that is denoted ‘deploys automatically’ can be sent to Mars early
on an Unmanned probe.
Mission Planning (Teacher Notes)
2
5. Nuclear power is much more efficient than solar power but can arouse public ill
feeling (the Cassini mission to Saturn was constantly besieged by anti-nuclear
demonstrations). Student opinion on this subject may be varied and could almost be
made into a mini project of its own!
6. Think of the astronauts as people. They are going to be away a long time and could
experience some extremely difficult conditions and emotions, so it is worth
considering their comfort. Loneliness, boredom and aggression may all hamper the
mission. Students should be encouraged to think of (and record) any other ways to
improve astronauts lifestyles they can. It may help to make one member of each
group a potential astronaut should their mission be chosen – this should get them to
be more careful about how they treat the crew!
7. Public and political support funds missions. Safety, efficiency and astounding
television pictures are all going to be essential for the funding of future missions!
Mission Planning (Teacher Notes)
3
MISSION PLANNING – STUDENT NOTES (INTRODUCTION)
NASA has finally agreed to fund a Manned mission to Mars. It is up to you and the
other members of your group to plan the mission and decide upon the details of how it
will run. You have been allocated a limited budget and given a list of goals the mission
should accomplish.
While planning your mission, ensure that you:
a) spend less than the funding limit
b) accomplish as many of the scientific goals as possible
c) make the mission appeal to the general public
d) keep the risks of mission failure low.
READ THE HANDOUTS CAREFULLY!! This is a complicated and challenging project.
You must work quickly and function as a team. The best mission will be safe,
scientifically useful and encourage public interest.
You will use the technical notes to decide on what spacecraft and experiments to
include and, together with discussion in the group, to decide which landing site and
scientific goals to aim for.
Remember! Don’t just concentrate on the technical factors; safety and public opinion
are both extremely important. A Manned Mars mission in which 3 astronauts died due
to insufficient supplies would be perceived as a disaster no matter how valuable the
scientific findings it returned! In fact, a disastrous mission such as that would most
likely set back Mars exploration 10 years rather than promote it!
Recording your mission strategy
Your group will be given several copies of the activity sheet handouts. Use these to
help plan out rough versions of the mission.
When you have finalised all the details, record your final mission design on neat
versions of the activity sheets and answer the questions in the final report handout.
There will be a lot of rough notes and decisions to make, as well as some simple
calculations. Be very careful not to write anything down on the final report until you are
absolutely sure it is right!
Designing the mission
The basic idea of the mission is simple. An ‘Earth to Mars vehicle’ is used to get to
Mars. The astronauts stay on the surface for a period of time and then fly back to Earth
in a ‘Mars to Earth return vehicle’ which they brought with them. The Earth to Mars
Vehicle must contain everything the astronauts need to live and work on Mars and must
also contain the spacecraft the astronauts use to return to Earth.
You are not limited to one launch (two or more may, in fact, be advantageous).
The details of the type of spacecraft available are in the technical notes handout
Mission Planning (Student Notes)
1
Mission design: Important things to remember
1. The mission should not take more than 30 months FROM START TO FINISH!
In order to make things easier, it is assumed that the journey to or from Mars takes 6
months and the astronauts will stay on the surface either 6,12 or 18 months.
2. Your teacher will tell you how much funding you have. This has to cover
EVERYTHING! The Technical Notes handout will tell you about the different
spacecraft and equipment available.
3. You must provide enough food for the astronauts to live on. They will be away a
minimum of 18 months. Food is heavy and must be taken to Mars onboard the
transfer vehicle (you may use the greenhouse module to grow food for your return to
Earth).
4. You must supply the astronauts with a habitat to live in whilst they are on their way
to Mars and to use as a base on Mars.
5. You must provide a power supply for the base and additional equipment whilst it is
on Mars.
6. You must provide the crew with a return vehicle. It is very bad publicity to leave
people stranded on another planet!!
7. You can send more than one spacecraft. For example, you may wish to send two
medium vehicles rather than a single large one.
8. You do not have to send all the spacecraft at the same time. In particular, the
Unmanned Earth to Mars vehicle can be used to deploy equipment before the
astronauts arrive.
Mission design procedure
1.
Read the scientific and public awareness goals. Decide which goals you
would like to achieve (remember that you can’t achieve all of them!)
2.
Read the landing site list.
accomplish your goals.
3.
Use the technical notes handouts to work out what items of equipment,
spacecraft and astronauts are necessary to complete the goals you have
set.
4.
Using the activity sheets handouts, check you have not spent too much
money, overloaded any of the spacecraft or failed to include any vital
pieces of equipment.
5.
If everything is under budget, look through the technical notes to add
astronauts / equipment / aims to the mission to make it safer or better.
6.
If you are over budget, you had better go back and make some cutbacks!
7.
When you are satisfied with the mission, every group member should fill in
one neat final report form, and a single neat version of each activity sheet
should be produced for the group.
Mission Planning (Student Notes)
Decide which landing site you must visit to
2
MISSION PLANNING – TECHNICAL NOTES (Goals and Landing Sites)
The science and public awareness goals are listed below. The goals you choose will
decide which landing site you visit and what equipment you take on the mission. You
should refer to the landing site list while choosing your goals to see if you can
accomplish more than one goal at the same site!
Scientific Goals
There are several scientific goals that can be accomplished by landing humans on
Mars. You will NOT be able to investigate all of them. If you have completed the full
Mars in the Classroom project, use the knowledge you have gained from the previous
experiments to help you decide which are the most important goals to complete.
1). Large volcano investigation
There are many large volcanoes on Mars. Scientists on earth would like to make
a full study of the geology and wish to return large samples of volcanic material
for analyses. Study of cores taken from volcanic flows is also of prime
importance in this study.
2). Large impact crater investigation
Scientists wish to study the walls of large impact craters on Mars to look for
geological features. They also want to study the ejecta patterns and floors of the
craters. Laboratory investigation of samples from these areas is also required.
3). Water in Mars’ history investigation
There is strong evidence to suggest water existed on the surface of Mars. By
looking at the morphology of surface features and sampling the rocks, scientists
hope to discover when and where the water disappeared to and to discover
whether there were once lakes, rivers or oceans.
4). Ancient life investigation
In order to investigate the possibility of ancient life on Mars, scientists wish to
take samples from as large an area of Mars as possible and study them in a
laboratory to search for evidence of ancient microfossils. Note that evidence for
ancient life is more likely to be found in areas that may once have had large
bodies of water.
5). Polar icecap investigation.
The north and south poles of Mars both have variable icecaps. Scientists would
like to sample these icecaps and to record how they develop throughout the year.
They may also contain a lot of information about Mars’ climatic history.
6). Mars terraforming experiment.
Scientists believe that by adding certain gases to the Martian atmosphere, the
temperature could be warmed enough for human beings to eventually be able to
walk on the surface. This experiment uses a machine to generate these gases
from Martian rock to test how well it would work.
Mission Planning (Technical Notes)
1
Public Awareness Goals
Further funding for Mars exploration depends upon this mission being a success. To
aid the public appreciation of this mission, certain ‘publicity stunts’ have been identified
that, although secondary to the scientific goals, may be important (similar to the famous
‘golf-shot’ on the moon) to make the event memorable to the world public.
1). Monument
A large but lightweight monument to be placed in a prominent position on the
surface, immortalising human achievements.
You’ll have to choose the
monument design.
2). Ascent of Olympus Mons
Several of the crew climb the largest volcano in the solar system. A landmark for
human exploration (may be combined with a scientific goal).
3). Expedition to the edge of Valles Marineris
Spectacular views of a canyon, four times deeper and six times wider than the
Grand Canyon. Guaranteed to capture the public imagination (may be combined
with a scientific goal).
4). Recovery of a past Martian probe
Recovery of a part of a previous mission would be a first for Mars Exploration
(note: this may also have some scientific worth for assessing lifetimes of probes
to Mars).
5). Exploration of New areas
Two probes have landed near the Ares Vallis region recently (Viking 1 and
Pathfinder). The public may react favourably to a mission to an area that looks
completely different.
Mission Planning (Technical Notes)
2
Landing Sites
You are given a choice of 3 landing sites. Each is given a rating of risk for landing a
craft, availability of solar energy, details of interesting features nearby and a description
of the geology of the local area.
1). Ares Vallis
Location.
Landing Risk.
Solar Energy possible?
Geology of local area.
Features within 100km
Features within 2000km
15oN, 35oW
Low
Yes, near equator so good supply of sunlight.
Outflow channel, thought to have been caused by
catastrophic flood of water.
Some evidence for sedimentary rocks/sand/conglomerates.
Mars pathfinder landing site.
Some small impact craters.
Large canyons.
Valles Marineris (huge canyon 25 times bigger than the
Grand Canyon)
Some medium impact craters.
2). Vastitas Borealis
Location.
Landing Risk.
Solar Energy possible?
Geology of local area.
Features within 100km
Features within 2000km
70oN, 0oW
High
No, weak sunlight due to being near north pole
Unknown, probably old volcanic bedrock with some
dust/sand covering
Some small impact craters
Borders of northern icecaps
One large impact crater
Some medium impact craters
Northern icecaps
3). Jovis Tholus
Location.
Landing Risk.
Solar Energy possible?
Geology of local area.
Features within 100km
Features within 2000km
Mission Planning (Technical Notes)
10oN, 120oW
Medium
Yes, near equator so good supply of sunlight
On Tharsis volcanic rise. Volcanic bedrock
Small volcanoes and other volcanic flows
Olympus Mons (biggest volcano in solar system)
Three other huge volcanoes
Volcanic channels
Few small impact craters
3
MISSION PLANNING – TECHNICAL NOTES (TECHNICAL DATA)
The following sheets provide you with a list of the items you can choose from in order to
plan your mission. Go through each table/list carefully before selecting your mission
requirements. You will have to select the types and numbers of spacecraft, equipment
and astronauts to use.
Make sure that:
- your spacecraft can carry everything you take
- you take all of the equipment needed to achieve your science and public
awareness goals
- you have enough power and properly trained astronauts to use the
equipment you choose
- you do not go over you budget!
Use rough copies of the activity sheets to help you in this, and fill them in as you select
your items to make certain you don’t miss anything out (there are some essential items
for all missions no matter what goals you choose). You may find that you will go over
your weight or money budget in your first few attempts. In this case, you will have to cut
back on something and this could make it difficult to achieve all of your science or public
awareness goals. Decide within your group exactly what it is that should be cut back
and why.
Once you have selected everything and satisfied all of the weight and money budgets,
your group should fill out one version of each activity sheet to outline your mission, and
every group member should fill in a neat version of the final report activity sheet.
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
1
Transfer Vehicles
All trips to Mars are assumed to take 6 months, no matter which vehicles you choose to
use. Things to remember when choosing your vehicles:
-
You may decide to make several launches or just one. Remember that the launch
vehicle you use will determine how much weight you can get to Mars and so be sure
you choose sensibly.
The Unmanned vehicle lands automatically without risk of failure.
The total weight of equipment you send on the Earth to Mars Vehicle must not be
greater than its carrying capacity.
The return vehicles must be carried in the Earth to Mars vehicle and therefore take
up some of the capacity.
The Mars to Earth return vehicles are unfuelled. You can send extra fuel on a
launcher for the return journey, or produce it on the surface of Mars (see technical
data, Equipment)
The Unmanned “Dunkin” craft can be used to transport equipment to the surface
ahead of the Manned mission or can be launched at the same time as other
vehicles.
Earth to Mars Vehicles
Name of vehicle
Maximum Earth to Mars surface
payload
Cost to launch with full
payload
“Heather” heavy launcher
60 tons
$20B
“Martin” medium launch
vehicle
30 tons
$12B
“Dunkin” Unmanned launch
vehicle
8 tons
$7B
Mars to Earth Vehicles
Vehicle type and name
Fuel needed for
return journey
Weight of
vehicle
Carrying
capacity
Vehicle cost
“Eagle” Mars surface to
Earth return vehicle
70 tons
25 tons not
including fuel or
cargo
9 tons
$8B
“Hydra” Mars surface to
Earth return vehicle
35 tons
15 tons not
including fuel or
cargo
5 tons
$5B
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
2
Transfer Vehicle Equipment
The following items may all be fitted inside the Earth-Mars or Mars-Earth vehicle.
Things to note when choosing the Transfer Vehicle Equipment:
-
One habitat module is essential for any Manned Earth to Mars Lander.
Some of this equipment is generally to make the astronauts more comfortable and is
therefore not essential.
Description
Weight
Cost
Notes
Crew habitatsmall
3 tons
$2B
Provides sleeping/recreation quarters for up to 5
astronauts. Acts as base on Mars but requires
10kW of power on the surface.
Crew habitatlarge
5 tons
$3B
Provides sleeping/recreation quarters for up to 10
astronauts. Acts as base on Mars but requires
15kW of power on the surface.
Entertainment
system
0
$1B
Fuel supplies
Variable
0
Exercise area
1 tons
$2B
Artificial
gravity
module
2 tons
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
$5B
Music/Video/Computer/Email for the astronauts to
prevent boredom
Spare fuel can be taken for powering rovers or for
supplying the return vehicle with fuel for its return
to Earth. The fuel is very cheap and assumed to
cost nothing but it will take up a large amount of
carrying capacity .
Ensures astronauts are fit and well when they
reach Mars. Without this they may be unable to
walk for the first few months until they have built up
muscle
By attaching a weight on a long cable to the
spacecraft and spinning the whole system, some
gravity can be generated in the transfer vehicle.
This means there is no need for an exercise area
and the crew will be much more effective when
they arrive at Mars
3
Surface Equipment (Rovers)
ALL SURFACE EQUIPMENT must all be stowed in the transfer vehicle if selected for
the mission. Things to note when selecting the rovers:
-
One item marked with a * may be operated by one crewmember with the appropriate
training (see Astronauts Technical Notes)
Rovers are not essential, Some geology can be done in the local area if they are not
used.
Description
“Terrance” Shortrange Rover*
Weight
1 ton
Cost
$1B
“Phillip” Longrange Rover*
3 tons
$5B
“Kenny” Robotic
Rover
1 ton
$5B
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
Notes
Can travel up to 100km over 6months using solar
power. Can carry one astronaut. Requires a
geologist to collect samples but cannot be used for
longer excursions, as it has no accommodation facility.
Has basic coring/sample collection facilities and also
carries cameras etc.
Can return 2 tons of samples over 6 months.
Can travel up to 2000 km.
Accommodation for up to 2 astronauts, one of whom
must be a geologist to collect samples.
Has storage for food and drink for 2 astronauts for 6
months.
Has basic coring/sample collection facilities and also
carries cameras etc.
Requires 1 ton of fuel for 6 months operation.
Can return 3 tons of samples over 6 months.
Solar powered, can travel up to 2000km in 6month
period and perform limited science.
Can be deployed automatically from Manned or
Unmanned Lander.
If sent ahead of Manned vehicle, it can scout for the
best landing site in the area. This makes landing of the
Manned vehicle safe in any area.
Can collect and return small samples from the local
area (100km).
Less risky than human driven vehicles.
4
Surface Equipment
All surface equipment MUST be stowed in the transfer vehicle if selected for the
mission. Things to note when selecting surface equipment:
-
Two items marked * may be operated by one Astronaut with appropriate training.
Some of these items are used to help complete certain specific goals (e.g. the
monument or terraforming experiment) while others are more general (such as the
geology laboratory or the fuel production facility).
You must choose which of the items are most useful to the mission and are best
suited to perform the science you wish to do.
Description
Weight
Cost
Notes
Fuel Production
Facility
2 tons
$2B
Can deploy automatically from Unmanned or Manned lander.
Can produce and store 25 tons of fuel in six months.
Requires 5kW of power.
Greenhouse/
Water Facility*
3 tons
$2B
Can produce and store 8 tons of food and water in six months
Requires 10kW of power and a crewmember trained as a
technical scientist.
Geology
Laboratory*
2 tons
$3B
Icecap
Laboratory*
2 tons
$3B
Fossil
Laboratory*
2 tons
$3B
Medical Station
1 ton
$2B
Monument
1 ton
$1B
A monument dedicated to human exploration of the solar
system.
Terraforming
Experiment*
2 tons
$1B
Performs terraforming experiment. Can be set up anywhere on
the surface but requires 10kW of power and a crewmember
trained as a technical scientist.
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
Used to perform laboratory analysis of rocks brought back by
rovers.
Requires 5kW of power and a crewmember trained as a
technical scientist.
Used to make laboratory analysis of icecap samples brought
back by rovers.
Requires 5kW of power and a crewmember trained as a
technical scientist.
A laboratory used to search for life in samples returned by the
rovers.
Requires 5kW of power and a crewmember trained as a
technical scientist.
Provides emergency medical aid.
Requires 5kW of power and a crewmember trained as a
technical scientist or a medic.
5
Base Power Supply
Things to note when choosing your base power supply:
-
When the Earth to Mars vehicle has touched down it will need power to run the
Habitat modules and the scientific experiments.
You may choose as many power supply units as you wish and they may be sent with
the Manned mission or ahead, on an Unmanned vehicle.
Solar power array
1 ton
$1B
Nuclear power
1 ton
$3B
Deploys automatically.
Each array provides 25 kW of power.
Deploys automatically.
Provides 200kW of power.
May prove unpopular with public.
May be risky if sent in same vehicle as crew.
Astronauts
Astronauts are assumed to weigh nothing. However, they do require a large amount of
food, water and clothes.
-
For each six months the astronauts are away they must be supplied with 1 ton of
food/water/clothing PER ASTRONAUT.
Each six months supply of astronaut food/water/clothing is assumed to cost $0.5B.
This will cover up to 5 astronauts (so, if you send 10 astronauts you must pay $1B
for their consumables).
You must decide how many astronauts you are going to take and what training they will
have. You may choose as many of each of the following as you wish as long as you
stay in budget and the food/water they need does not exceed the weight limits of the
spacecraft.
1). Pilot
The pilot is an essential part of the mission. You must have at least one pilot.
Two pilots would be better in case one becomes ill/injured. The pilot can drive rovers
on the surface and repair machines, thus reducing the risk of the mission.
2). Field geologist scientist
At least one geologist is essential if you want to collect samples when driving
rovers to distant parts of Mars. They will be an essential part of the mission if you are
intending to study geology of any kind.
3). Medical expert scientist
The medical expert is non-essential but will decrease the risk associated with the
mission. This will be vital if you have only a small crew.
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
6
4). Technical scientist
This scientist can operate laboratory equipment and other machines. As an
expert in technical matters, he/she will dramatically reduce the risk of breakdowns of
equipment.
Things to note about astronaut selection:
-
If you wish, you may train the astronauts in skills they do not have (cross-training).
This costs $0.5B per astronaut. For example you could train the pilot in geology so
that he could analyse rock samples or train the geologist in medicine to improve
safety.
-
You must decide if you will have a commander for the mission or if it will be run
democratically. An overall commander makes the mission run more smoothly but a
commander may NOT be cross-trained (he is too busy sorting things out to worry
about more than his chosen field). Remember, odd numbers mean less arguments
if the mission is run democratically!
-
Note that one astronaut may get very lonely if he/she is supposed to complete the
mission alone. The same applies with two astronauts (they may get sick of the sight
of each other!). It is best to opt for at least four astronauts.
-
The amount and type of astronauts you choose will affect what equipment you can
take to Mars. For example, a technical scientist can only operate two pieces of
research equipment on the surface. If you have more research equipment than that,
but no-one trained to use it, you will have wasted vital resources.
Mission Planning (Technical Data)
7
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (TIME LINE)
In the table, indicate what will be happen at each stage in the mission.
example sheet for help in how to fill the table in.
See the
Time
(months)
Mission
Phase
Stored
Fuel
0
Mission
start
0 to 6
Phase 1
(6 months)
6
End of
Phase1
6-12
Phase 2
(6 months)
12
End of
Phase 2
12-18
Phase 3
(6 months)
18
End of
Phase 3
18-24
Phase 4
24
End of
Phase 4
24-30
Phase 5
30
End of
Phase 5
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
Description of launches, research, samples
collected, aims accomplished
Stored
Food
1
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (POWER SUPPLY)
Make sure that the power supply for the Mars Base is sufficient for all the equipment
you have on the surface. Use the example sheet to help fill this in if you need to.
Power Supply 1. Type……………………. Power Output…………….………....kW
Power Supply 2. Type……………………. Power Output…………….………....kW
Power Supply 3. Type……………………. Power Output…………….………....kW
Power Supply 4. Type……………………. Power Output…………….………....kW
Total power available …………………….kW
Habitat type…………………………………….. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 1………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 2………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 3………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 4………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 5………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 6………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 7………………………………. Power used……………………kW
Total power used …………………….kW
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
2
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (MISSION COSTS)
Use these sheets to calculate the total cost of your mission and make sure that you
haven’t overspent! Use the example sheets to help you fill these in if needed.
Earth to Mars Spacecraft
Use this sheet to write down the type and cost of all the Transfer/Lander Spacecraft you
plan to use in your mission.
Spacecraft 1……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Spacecraft 2……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Spacecraft 3……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Spacecraft 4……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Total cost of Earth to Mars Spacecraft…………………………$B
Mars to Earth Return Spacecraft
Use this form to write down the type and cost of all the Mars Return Spacecraft you plan
to use.
Spacecraft 1……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Spacecraft 2……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Total cost of Earth to Mars Spacecraft…………………………$B
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
3
Earth to Mars Vehicle Equipment
Use this sheet to write down the type and cost of all the equipment you plan to put on
the Earth to Mars vehicle. This should include:
-
any rovers, laboratories and other equipment you plan to put on the Mars surface
(extra fuel is free)
any equipment such as the exercise area or the artificial gravity module for use on
board the Earth to Mars Spacecraft.
and this must include a habitat for each Manned Mars Lander spacecraft and must
include a power supply for the Mars base.
Use the example sheets to show you how to fill this in.
Item 1…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 2…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 3…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 4…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 5…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 6…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 7…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 8…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 9…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 10…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 11…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 12…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 13…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 14…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Item 15…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
Total cost of equipment……………………………$B
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
4
Astronauts
You should write down the type and cost of training of all the astronauts you plan to
send. Also write down how long the astronauts will require food from Earth and the cost
of this food.
Astronaut 1 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 2 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 3 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 4 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 5 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 6 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 7 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 8 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 9 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 10 ……………………….. Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Total cost of cross training…………$B
Amount of time stored food supplies required?…………………………………….
Cost of food supplies……………….. $B
Total cost for astronauts………………………………….$B
______________________________________________________________________
TOTAL MISSION COSTS
Now add up the total cost of the mission and make sure it is not greater than the
initial funding amount!
Cost of astronauts and stored supplies..………………………$B
Cost of Earth to Mars vehicle………………….……………$B
Cost of Mars to Earth return vehicle.……………………….$B
Cost of equipment..………………………………………………$B
TOTAL MISSION COST ……………………….$B
______________________________________________________________________
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
5
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (CAPACITY CHECKLIST)
Use this checklist to make sure you have not overloaded the vehicles (you can use two
or more copies of this sheet if there is more than one Earth-Mars transfer). Refer to the
example sheet if you need help filling this out.
Earth to Mars Transfer Vehicle
Name of spacecraft……………………………………………………………..
Launch time (e.g. start of phase 1)……………………………………………
Capacity…………………………tons
How many astronauts on board?…………………………………………….
Total amount of stored food required………………………
…………………tons
Type of habitat (if present)…………………………………..
………..………..tons
Mars to Earth Return vehicle………………………………..
(unfuelled and empty if present)
…………………tons
Power supply type (if present)……………………………….
..………………...tons
Item 1…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 2…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 3…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 4…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 5…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 6…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 7…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 8…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 9…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 10 ………………………………………………………..
………………....tons
Stored fuel (if any)………………………… tons
Total weight carried in spacecraft……………..tons
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
6
Mars to Earth Return Spacecraft
Use this checklist to make sure you have not overloaded the return vehicle (you can use
two or more copies of this sheet if there is more than one Mars-Earth transfer). Refer to
the example sheet if you need help to fill this in.
Name of spacecraft……………………………………………………………..
Launch time (e.g. start of phase 5)……………………………………………
Capacity…………………………tons
How many astronauts on board?…………………………………………….
Total amount of stored food required…………………tons
Amount of samples being returned to Earth…………………tons
Other equipment carried (e.g. entertainment system) ……………………tons
Total weight carried in Spacecraft……………………..tons
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
7
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (FINAL REPORT)
Fill in these sheets with the details of your final mission plan. Once you have finalised
the mission, every member of the group should fill in one of these reports. Refer to the
example sheet to show you how to fill this in if necessary.
Group Name…………………………………………………………………………….………...
Which landing site have you selected?
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
Which scientific goals do you think you can accomplish at this site?
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
What made you choose this site and goals?
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
Are there any non-scientific aspects to your mission to capture public awareness?
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
8
What equipment (laboratories, rovers etc) are you including in your mission to
accomplish these goals and why these specifically?
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
……………………………………………………………………………………………...………
Now make a neat copy of the mission timeline each, and one neat copy of the
mission costs, spacecraft capacity and power checklists for the mission.
Mission Planning (Activity Sheets)
9
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (TIME LINE) EXAMPLE
In the table, indicate what will be happen at each stage in the mission.
example sheet for help in how to fill the table in.
See the
Time
(months)
Mission
Phase
Stored
Fuel
0
Mission
start
Description of launches, research, samples
collected, aims accomplished
LAUNCH DUNKIN VEHICLE WITH 3 SOLAR
ARRAYS, KENNY ROVER AND SPARE FUEL
(2TONS) AND FOOD(2TONS).
0 to 6
Phase 1
(6 months)
6
End of
Phase1
6-12
Phase 2
(6 months)
12
End of
Phase 2
12-18
Phase 3
(6 months)
18
End of
Phase 3
MANNED VEHICLE LANDS. LABORATORY
AND GREENHOUSE FACILITIES DEPLOYED.
18-24
Phase 4
GEOLOGICAL SAMPLING OF LOCAL AREA.
FOOD PRODUCED. TERRAFORMING
EXPERIMENT RUN.
24
End of
Phase 4
RETURN VEHICLE READIED AND LAUNCHED
WITH LIMITED SAMPLES AND ENOUGH FOOD
FOR HOMEWARD JOURNEY
24-30
Phase 5
CREW USE EXERCISE AREA TO KEEP FIT.
FUEL PRODUCED AT BASE FOR NEXT
MISSION TO USE.
30
End of
Phase 5
EAGLE RETURN VEHICLE LANDS WITH CREW
AND SAMPLES
Stored
Food
DUNKIN VEHICLE IN TRANSIT.
DUNKIN VEHICLES LANDS. DEPLOYS
ARRAYS, FUEL FACILITY AND ROVER.
2
0
2
25
16
50
4
5
4
30
KENNY ROVER SURVEYS LANDING SITE TO
ENSURE SAFETY. FUEL FACILITY PRODUCES
FUEL.
HEATHER LAUNCH VEHICLE WITH CREW
AND REMAINING EQUIPEMENT IS LAUNCHED
WHEN FUEL FACILITY IS SEEN TO BE
OPERATING CORRECTLY.
CREW IN TRANSIT. GEOLOGY OF LOCAL
AREA SURVEYED BY KENNY ROVER. MORE
FUEL PRODUCED
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
1
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (POWER SUPPLY) EXAMPLE
Make sure that the power supply for the Mars Base is sufficient for all the equipment
you have on the surface. Use the example sheet to help fill this in if you need to.
Power Supply 1. Type..SOLAR ARRAY.. Power Output…………25……….....kW
Power Supply 2. Type..SOLAR ARRAY.. Power Output…………25……….....kW
Power Supply 3. Type..SOLAR ARRAY.. Power Output…………25……….....kW
Power Supply 4. Type……………………. Power Output…………….………....kW
Total power available ………75………….kW
Habitat type…… LARGE …………………………
Power used………15…………kW
Equipment item 1… MEDICAL STATION……….
Power used………5…..………kW
Equipment item 2 TERRAFORM EXPERIMENT..
Power used………10…………kW
Equipment item 3… GEOLOGY LAB ……………
Power used………5…..………kW
Equipment item 4 FUEL PRODUCTION FACILITY
Power used………5..…………kW
Equipment item 5……………………………….
Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 6……………………………….
Power used……………………kW
Equipment item 7……………………………….
Power used……………………kW
Total power used …… 40 ….…….kW
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
2
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (MISSION COSTS) EXAMPLE
Use these sheets to calculate the total cost of your mission and make sure that you
haven’t overspent! Use the example sheets to help you fill these in if needed.
Earth to Mars Spacecraft
Use this sheet to write down the type and cost of all the Transfer/Lander Spacecraft you
plan to use in your mission.
Spacecraft 1..HEATHER HEAVY LAUNCH VEHICLE Cost …20….$B
Spacecraft 2..DUNKIN UNMANNED VEHICLE……
Cost …7…...$B
Spacecraft 3……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Spacecraft 4……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Total cost of Earth to Mars Spacecraft…………27……………$B
Mars to Earth Return Spacecraft
Use this form to write down the type and cost of all the Mars Return Spacecraft you plan
to use.
Spacecraft 1 EAGLE RETURN VEHICLE……..……
Cost …8…...$B
Spacecraft 2……………………………………………
Cost ………..$B
Total cost of Earth to Mars Spacecraft……………8…………$B
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
3
Earth to Mars Vehicle Equipment
Use this sheet to write down the type and cost of all the equipment you plan to put on
the Earth to Mars vehicle. This should include:
-
any rovers, laboratories and other equipment you plan to put on the Mars surface
(extra fuel is free)
any equipment such as the exercise area or the artificial gravity module for use on
board the Earth to Mars Spacecraft.
and this must include a habitat for each Manned Mars Lander spacecraft and must
include a power supply for the Mars base.
Use the example sheets to show you how to fill this in.
Item 1……MEDICAL STATION……………………..
Cost ……..…2…$B
Item 2……TERRAFORMING EXPERIMENT………..
Cost …..……1…$B
Item 3……GREENHOUSE FACILITY………………..
Cost ….….…2…$B
Item 4……ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY MODULE………..
Cost …….…5…$B
Item 5……ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM……..……..
Cost ……..…1…$B
Item 6……LARGE CREW HABITAT…….…………..
Cost …..……3…$B
Item 7……TERRANCE ROVER…………..…………..
Cost ……..…1…$B
Item 8……GEOLOGY LABORATORY……………….. Cost …..……3…$B
Item 9……SOLAR POWER ARRAY……..….……….. Cost ..………1…$B
Item 10..…SOLAR POWER ARRAY……..….……….. Cost ..………1…$B
Item 11..…SOLAR POWER ARRAY……..….……….. Cost ..………1…$B
Item 12..…SOLAR POWER ARRAY……..….……….. Cost ..………1…$B
Item 13..…KENNY ROVER…………..………..….….
Cost ……..…5…$B
Item 14…..RETURN VEHICLE EXERCISE AREA….
Cost ……..…2…$B
Item 15…………………………………………………….. Cost ……………$B
29………………$B
Total cost of equipment…………29
29
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
4
Astronauts
You should write down the type and cost of training of all the astronauts you plan to
send. Also write down how long the astronauts will require food from Earth and the cost
of this food.
Astronaut 1 ……PILOT…….……… Cross trained in ?……LEADER…..……...
Astronaut 2 ……PILOT…….……… Cross trained in ?……MEDIC……..……...
Astronaut 3 ……MEDIC…….……… Cross trained in ?……PILOT……..……...
Astronaut 4 ……GEOLOGIST…..… Cross trained in ?……MEDIC……..……...
Astronaut 5 .TECHNICAL SCIENTIST Cross trained in ?……MEDIC……..……...
Astronaut 6 .TECHNICAL SCIENTIST Cross trained in ?……GEOLOGIST……...
Astronaut 7 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 8 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 9 ………………………… Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Astronaut 10 …………….…………. Cross trained in ?…………………………..
Total cost of cross training…2.5…$B
Amount of time stored food supplies required?…………18 MONTHS……….
Cost of food supplies………3…….. $B
Total cost for astronauts…………………5.5…………….$B
______________________________________________________________________
TOTAL MISSION COSTS
Now add up the total cost of the mission and make sure it is not greater than the
initial funding amount!
Cost of astronauts and stored supplies..…..…5.5…………$B
Cost of Earth to Mars vehicle…………………27………$B
Cost of Mars to Earth return vehicle.…………8………...$B
Cost of equipment..…………………..………29……………$B
TOTAL MISSION COST ………….………69.5…….$B
______________________________________________________________________
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
5
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (CAPACITY CHECKLIST)
EXAMPLE
Use this checklist to make sure you have not overloaded the vehicles (you can use two
or more copies of this sheet if there is more than one Earth-Mars transfer). Refer to the
example sheet if you need help filling this out.
Earth to Mars Transfer Vehicle
Name of spacecraft… DUNKIN UNMANNED LANDER …………..
Launch time (e.g. start of phase 1)… START OF PHASE ONE………
Capacity…8……tons
How many astronauts on board?……………………………………….
Total amount of stored food required….…………………..……
………………tons
Type of habitat (if present)…….……………………………..…..
………….…...tons
Mars to Earth Return vehicle…………………….……………….
(unfuelled and empty if present)
………………tons
Power supply type (if present)……………………………….
..………………...tons
Item 1…………SOLAR POWER ARRAY…………..……...
…………1…….tons
Item 2…………SOLAR POWER ARRAY…………..……...
…………1…….tons
Item 3…………SOLAR POWER ARRAY…………..……...
…………1…….tons
Item 4…………FUEL PRODUCTION FACILITY……....…...
…………2…….tons
Item 5…………KENNY ROVER………………………...…..
…………1…….tons
Item 6…………SPARE FOOD…………..…..……………….
…………2…….tons
Item 7…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 8…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 9…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 10 ………………………………………………………..
………………....tons
Stored fuel (if any)………………………… tons
Total weight carried in Spacecraft……8……..tons
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
6
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (CAPACITY CHECKLIST)
EXAMPLE
Use this checklist to make sure you have not overloaded the vehicles (you can use two
or more copies of this sheet if there is more than one Earth-Mars transfer). Refer to the
example sheet if you need help filling this out.
Earth to Mars Transfer Vehicle
Name of spacecraft… HEATHER HEAVY LAUNCH VEHICLE …………..
Launch time (e.g. start of phase 1)… START OF PHASE THREE………
Capacity…60……tons
How many astronauts on board?………………… 6…………………….
Total amount of stored food required…18 MONTHS…………
………18……tons
Type of habitat (if present)……LARGE……………………..…..
………..5…...tons
Mars to Earth Return vehicle…………EAGLE………………….
(unfuelled and empty if present)
…..…25….…tons
Power supply type (if present)……………………………….
..………………...tons
Item 1…………MEDICAL STATION………………………..
…………1…….tons
Item 2…………TERRAFORM EXPERIMENT……….……..
…………2…….tons
Item 3…………EXTRA STORED FOOD………………..…..
…………2…….tons
Item 4…………ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY MODULE……..…...
…………2…….tons
Item 5…………ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM………….…..
…………0…….tons
Item 6…………TERRANCE ROVER…………..…..………..
…………1…….tons
Item 7…………GEOLOGY LABORATORY………..………..
…………2…….tons
Item 8………… RETURN VEHICLE EXERCISE AREA…….
…………2…….tons
Item 9…………………………………………………………..
………………….tons
Item 10 ………………………………………………………..
………………....tons
Stored fuel (if any)………………………… tons
Total weight carried in Spacecraft……60……..tons
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
7
Mars to Earth Return Spacecraft
Use this checklist to make sure you have not overloaded the return vehicle (you can use
two or more copies of this sheet if there is more than one Mars-Earth transfer). Refer to
the example sheet if you need help to fill this in.
Name of spacecraft…………… EAGLE ……………………………………..
Launch time (e.g. start of phase 5)…………START OF PHASE 5…………………
Capacity………9………………tons
How many astronauts on board?…………………… 6…………………….
Total amount of stored food required………6………tons
Amount of samples being returned to Earth………1………tons
Other equipment carried (e.g. entertainment system) ………2…………tons
Total weight carried in Spacecraft………9…………..tons
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
8
MISSION PLANNING – ACTIVITY SHEET (FINAL REPORT) EXAMPLE
Fill in these sheets with the details of your final mission plan. Once you have finalised
the mission, every member of the group should fill in one of these reports. Refer to the
example sheet to show you how to fill this in if necessary.
Group Name………… EXAMPLE MISSION………………………………………………...
Which landing site have you selected?
………… ARES VALLIS………………………………………………………………………
Which scientific goals do you think you can accomplish at this site?
WE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE WATER IN MARS’ HISTORY GOAL..….…
AND ACCOMPLISH THE TERRAFORMING EXPERIMENT. WE WILL ALSO …………
RECOVER A PAST MARTIAN PROBE (MARS PATHFINDER) …………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
What made you choose this site and goals?
SAFETY IS THE PRIME CONCERN OF THIS MISSION. THIS IS THE SAFEST……....
LANDING SITE AND WE CAN USE SOLAR POWER BECAUSE IT IS NEAR THE……
EQUATOR (THIS IS ALSO SAFER THAN NUCLEAR POWER) ……………….……..…
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Are there any non-scientific aspects to your mission to capture public awareness?
THIS LANDING SITE IS CLOSE TO THE PATHFINDER SITE SO WE CAN RETURN A
PAST MISSION. THIS IS ALSO A SCIENTIFIC GOAL. …………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
9
What equipment (laboratories, rovers etc) are you including in your mission to
accomplish these goals and why these specifically?
WE HAVE INCLUDED A GEOLOGY LABORATORY TO LOOK AT THE SAMPLES ……..
COLLECTED TO HELP WITH THE WATER IN MARS’ HISTORY MISSION GOAL. WE..
HAVE ALSO INCLUDED THE TERRAFORMING EXPERIMENT. THE UNMANNED…….
KENNY ROVER SURVEYS THE SITE TO MAKE SURE IT IS SAFE BEFORE LANDING
ASTRONAUTS. THE FUEL FOR THE HOMEWARD JOURNEY IS ALL PRODUCED…….
BEFORE THE ASTRONAUTS ARE LAUNCHED TO ENSURE SAFETY. A SPARE……..
SOLAR ARRAY IS INCLUDED IN CASE ONE BREAKS DOWN. EXERCISE AND ANTIGRAVITY MODULES ARE USED IN THE SPACECRAFT TO MAKE SURE THE………….
ASTRONAUTS ARE AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE. THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE..
THEY ARE ONLY STAYING ON THE SURFACE A SHORT TIME TO MAXIMISE……….
SAFETY. THE ASTRONAUTS ARE ALL CROSS TRAINED TO MAKE SURE THEY…..
CAN DO EACH OTHERS JOBS IF ONE BECOMES ILL. ……………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Now make a neat copy of the mission timeline each, and one neat copy of the
mission costs, spacecraft capacity and power checklists for the mission.
Mission Planning (Activity Sheet Examples)
10