Presentation Overview . . . 2
Mission Patch Lesson . . . 4
Flight Suit Design . . . 14
Mock Shuttle Construction . . . 17
ISS Construction . . . 26
Mission Script . . . 31
Mission Set-Up . . . 52
Expansions/Extensions . . . 64
Troubleshooting/Internet Links . . . 66
Acknowledgments . . . 68
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Presentation Overview
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
-2-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Presentation Overview
Presentation Overview
Presentation by Anthony Grisillo
This presentation will describe a simulated NASA mission that you can do
in your school. The presentation packet contains all plans needed to implement
this project. It also gives ideas to extend or expand the project. I have also listed
some problems or obstacles that I have run into and how I have solved these
problems.
Presenter Information
Position
Gifted Support Teacher and Science Coordinator
Rose Tree Media School District
Glenwood Elementary School
Contact
122 South Pennell Road
Media, PA 19063
Anthony_Grisillo@rosetree.k12.pa.us
www.mrgsworld.com
Background
BSED Elementary Education, West Chester University
MED Science and Technology, Widener University
Graduate of US Space Academy Teacher Program
Graduate of US Space Academy Advanced Teacher Program
Schedule
(
Presenter Introduction
(
Short Video of a Simulated NASA Mission
(
In-Depth Explanation about Implementing the Project
(
Questions and Answers
(
Evaluation and Prizes
www.mrgsworld.com
-3-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patch Lesson
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
-4-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patches Activity
Mission Patches Activity
Original Plan by U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Revised and Edited by Anthony Grisillo
Preparation of Mission Patch Cards
Materials
Mission Patches Sheets (3)
Mission Patches Description Sheets (3)
Twenty-Six 4 ½” x 6” Index Cards
Glue
Laminator
Procedures
1. Cut apart the mission patches and the descriptions.
2. Glue the patches and descriptions on separate index cards. One patch or description
per card.
3. Laminate the cards.
Lesson
Objectives
1. Students will identify space patches and learn about patch symbolism.
2. Students will use analysis and identification skills to match patches with descriptions.
3. Students will use patch information to create their own mission patch.
Materials
An assortment of NASA mission patches/stickers
At least one set of 26 Mission Patch Cards
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Scratch Paper
High Quality Plain White Paper
Black Sharpie Markers
Computer with Scanner
Large White Sticker Paper Sheets
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Pan by U.S. Space and Rocket Center
www.mrgsworld.com
-5-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patches Activity
Procedures
1. Pass out some of the mission patches/stickers. Explain to students that symbols have
been used to identify people for ages. Discuss how crests and emblems were used
during Medieval Times to identify knights to friends and foes. Ask students if they
know of any other symbols we might use in modern times to identify people or things.
Sample answers: flags, family crests, logos, etc.
2. Tell students to look at the mission patches/stickers. Explain how NASA uses these
patches to identify missions. The patches are designed by the members of the
mission’s crew. The mission objectives, the crew names, and the mission name are
all sometimes part of the mission patch. There are many other symbols used on the
patches that have specific meaning to the crew. Point out some of these on the
patches/stickers you have shared with your class.
3. Tell the class that this first activity must be done in complete silence. There is no
speaking allowed, nor any written communication.
4. Shuffle the Mission Patch Cards and give one to each student. If you have less than
26 students, give out extra cards until they are all distributed. If you have more than
26 students, heaven help you, use more than one set of cards and pray for early
retirement.
5. Tell the students that they must find the person with either their description or patch,
whichever they do not have, still without speaking or writing. If they have more than
one card, they must find the match for all of them.
6. After they have found their match(es), they should sit and discuss the details of their
patch(es). Tell the students they can now speak or write. They should identify any
symbols used in their patch(es) and list anything unique about it (them).
7. Discuss the students’ findings. Ask them to share anything they like or dislike about
their patch(es). If no one offers any ideas, pick one to talk about yourself and what
you like or dislike about it.
8. Put the students into groups of 3 or 4. You can do this randomly by using the Mission
Patch Cards if you would like. I would suggest trying to group heterogeneously by
ability to create more successful groups.
9. Tell the class that they must now design and draw their own mission patch using the
scratch paper. The patch can be any shape and contain any symbols that are
appropriate. Offensive drawings will not be accepted. The patch should contain
things that represent the member of the group designing it.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Pan by U.S. Space and Rocket Center
www.mrgsworld.com
-6-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patches Activity
10. Once a rough draft is designed, it should be shared with the teacher. If the design is
representational of the group and not offensive, the group can be given a piece of the
high quality paper. They should draw their final draft of the patch on this paper. The
final draft should be as big as it can on this sheet of paper. It is better to shrink it, once
scanned, than to enlarge it.
11. When the final draft is finished, they should use the black sharpie marker to outline
any lines or words that need to be seen.
12. Scan the final patch into the computer.
13. Print the patches out onto the blank white sticker paper. Cut out the patches and give
them to the students.
Sample Student Patches
(Converted to Grayscale and Resized)
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Pan by U.S. Space and Rocket Center
www.mrgsworld.com
-7-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patches
Pictures Supplied by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
-8-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patches
Pictures Supplied by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
-9-
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Patches
Pictures Supplied by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 10 -
December 1982
STS-6 Insignia - This is the official insignia for Space
Shuttle mission STS-6.
The crew members for this
mission are Astronauts Paul J. Weitz, commander; Karol
J. Bobko, pilot; F. Story Musgrave, mission specialist;
and Donald H. Peterson, mission specialist.
The sixth
Space Shuttle flight is represented by the hexagonal
shape of the insignia and the six stars, in the
portrayed constellation Virgo.
The sign of Virgo is
also symbolic of the first flight of the Space Shuttle
Challenger. Depicted above the spacecraft's open cargo
bay is the combined inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and a
Tracking and Data Relay Satellite.
This is the first
Shuttle flight of the IUS rocket, which will carry the
first TDRS to a geosynchronous orbit of 24,000 statute
miles.
29 APRIL 1983
STS-8 INSIGNIA --- The night launch of Challenger
heading toward its third earth-orbital mission is
featured in the official insignia for STS-8. The eighth
flight of the United States Space Transportation System
is represented by eight stars of the constellation
Aquila, "The Eagle," Astronauts Richard H. Truly,
commander; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; Dale A.
Gardner, Guion S. Bluford, and William E. Thornton--all
mission specialists--have their surnames on the border
of the insignia.
STS-9 CREW PATCH - This is the official insignia for
STS-9, the major payload of which is Spacelab 1,
depicted in the cargo bay of the Columbia.
The nine
stars and the path of the orbiter tell the flight's
numerical
designation
in
the
Space
Transportation
System's mission sequence.
Astronaut John N. Young is
crew commander, Brewster N. Shaw, Jr., pilot.
NASA
Astronauts Owen K. Garriott and Robert A. Parker are
mission specialists.
Byron K. Lichtenberg of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Ulf Merbold of
the Republic of West Germany are the Spacelab 1 payload
specialists.
Launch has been set for late 1983.
Merbold is a physicist representing the European Space
Agency (ESA).
15 JANUARY 1984
STS-41-C CREW INSIGNIA --- The patch to be worn by the
five members of NASA's 41-C space mission tells the
story of the flight. It features a helmet visor of an
astronaut performing an extravehicular activity. In the
visor are reflected the sun's rays, the Challenger and
its remote manipulator system (RMS) deploying the long
duration exposure facility (LDEF), the Earth and blue
sky, and another astronaut working at the damaged Solar
Maximum Satellite (SMS). The scene is encircled by the
surnames of the crewmembers.
OCTOBER 1989
STS-31 CREW PATCH - The mission insignia for NASA's STS31 mission features the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in
its observing configuration against a background of the
universe it will study. The cosmos includes a stylistic
depiction of galaxies in recognition of the contribution
made by Sir Edwin Hubble to our understanding of the
nature of galaxies and the expansion of the universe.
The STS-31 crew points out that it is in honor of
Hubble's work "that this great observatory in space
bears his name."
The depicted Space Shuttle trails a
spectrum symbolic of both the red shift observations
that were so important to Hubble's work and new
information, which will be obtained with the HST.
Encircling the artwork, designed by the crew, are the
names of its members:
Loren J. Shriver, mission
commander; Charles F. Bolden, pilot, and Steven A.
Hawley, Bruce McCandless II and Kathryn D. Sullivan,
mission specialists.
STS-71 CREW INSIGNIA
The STS-71 crew patch design depicts the orbiter
Atlantis in the process of the first international
docking mission of the Space Shuttle Atlantis with the
Russian Space Station Mir. The names of the 10
astronauts and cosmonauts who will fly aboard the
orbiter as shown along the outer border of the patch.
The rising sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era of
cooperation between the two countries. The vehicles
Atlantis
and
Mir
are
shown
in
separate
circles
converging at the center of the emblem symbolizing the
merger of the space programs of the two space faring
nations. The flags of the United States and Russia
emphasize the equal partnership of the mission. The
joint program symbol at the lower center of the patch
acknowledges the extensive contributions made by the
Mission Control Centers (MCC) of both countries. The
crew insignia was designed by aviation and space artist,
Bob McCall, who also designed the crew patch for the
Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) in 1975, the first
international space docking mission.
STS-95 Crew Patch
The STS-95 patch, designed by the crew, is intended to
reflect
the
scientific,
engineering,
and
historic
elements of the mission. The Space Shuttle Discovery is
shown rising over the sunlit Earth limb, representing
the global benefits of the mission science and the solar
science objectives of the Spartan Satellite. The bold
number "7" signifies the seven members of Discovery's
crew and also represents a historical link to the
original seven Mercury astronauts. The STS-95 crew
member John Glenn's first orbital flight is represnted
by the Friendship 7 capsule. The rocket plumes symbolize
the three major fields of science represented by the
mission payloads: microgravity material science, medical
research for humans on Earth and in space, and
astronomy. The NASA insignia design for Space Shuttle
flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for
other official use as the NASA Administrator may
authorize. Public availability has been approved only in
the form of illustrations by the various news media.
When and if there is any change in this policy, which we
do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced.
The STS-88 Crew Patch
The STS-88 patch commemorates the first assembly flight
to carry U.S.-built hardware for constructing the
International Space Station. This flight's primary task
is to assemble the cornerstone of the Space Station: the
Node with the Functional Cargo Block. The rising sun
symbolizes the dawning of a new era of international
cooperation in space and the beginning of a new program:
the International Space Station. The Earth scene
outlines the countries of the Station Partners: the
United States, Russia, those of the European Space
Agency, Japan, and Canada. Along with the Pressurized
Mating Adaptors and the Functional Cargo Block, the Node
is shown in the final mated configuration while berthed
to the Space Shuttle during the STS-88/2A mission.
The Big Dipper Constellation points the way to the North
Star, a guiding light for pioneers and explorers for
generations. These stars symbolize the efforts of
everyone, including all the countries involved in the
design and construction of the International Space
station, guiding us into the future.
The STS-93 Crew Patch
The STS-93 mission patch, as designed by the five crew
members.
The STS-93 mission will carry the Chandra Xray Observatory into low Earth orbit initiating its
planned five-year astronomy mission. Chandra is the
third of NASA's great observatories, following the
Hubble Space Telescope and the Compton Gamma Ray
Observatory. Chandra will provide scientists an orderof-magnitude improvement over current capabilities at Xray wavelengths. Observations of X-ray emissions from
energetic galaxies and clusters, as well as black holes,
promise to greatly expand current understanding of the
origin and evolution of our universe. The STS-93 patch
depicts Chandra separating from the Space Shuttle
Columbia after a successful deployment. A spiral galaxy
is shown in the background as a possible target for
Chandra observations. The two flags represent the
international crew, consisting of astronauts from both
the United States and France.
STS-90 Crew Patch
The STS-90 crew patch reflects the dedication of the
mission to the neurosciences, in celebration of the
Decade of the Brain.
The Earth is revealed through a
neuron-shaped window, which symbolizes new perspectives
in the understanding of nervous system development,
structure and function, both here on Earth and in the
microgravity environment of space.
The Orbiter Columbia is depicted with its open payload
bay doors revealing the Spacelab within.
An integral
component of the mission, the laboratory provided by the
European Space Agency signifies the strong international
involvement in the mission.
The seven crew members and two alternate payload
specialists, Chaiaki Mukai and Alexander Dunlap, are
represented by the nine major stars of the constellation
Cetus (the whale) in recognition of the International
Year of the Ocean.
The distant stars illustrate the
far-reaching implications of the mission science to the
many sponsoring agencies, helping prepare for longduration space flight aboard the International Space
Station.
Gemini 10
The Roman numeral X embroidered in the center of the
patch symbolizes the mission number.
The two objects
orbiting the Roman numeral are a Gemini capsule and an
Agena target drone.
Eventually, these two objects
rendezvoused.
The stars represent the twin stars,
Castor and Pollux, in the Gemini constellation.
The
stars also represent the objective of the mission which
was the twin rendezvous of the Gemini capsule with an
Agena satellite.
Apollo 12
The dominant blue and gold colors in the Apollo 12
mission patch represent the colors of the Navy since all
three crew members were members of the Navy.
The ship
orbiting the moon is a Yankee Clipper, a naval ship, and
symbolizes the name of the command service module. The
trail behind the Clipper represents the technological
achievement of space flight.
The three light stars
shining beyond the moon stand for the three astronauts
who carried out the Apollo 12 mission.
The brightest
star represents C.C. Williams who was originally
scheduled to be the lunar module pilot; however, he was
killed in a plane crash two years prior to this mission.
Alan Bean replaced Williams in the Apollo 12 mission.
Apollo 17
The navy colored background represents the reaches of
deep space.
The Greek god, Apollo, symbolizes NASA’s
third manned space program.
It appears in gold to
represent the golden age of space travel. Just as NASA
sees man’s future ahead in the exploration of stars and
planets, Apollo also gazes ahead seeing Saturn and a
spiral galaxy.
The gold and brown colors of the moon
accent the golden age theme.
The eagle’s wings
symbolize man’s first lunar landing.
Like Apollo, the
eagle searches for new frontiers in space.
Within the
eagle, the red bars, blue background, and white stars
represent the U.S. flag.
The three white stars also
represent the crew of Apollo 17.
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Flight Suit Design
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 14 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Flight Suit Design
NASA Flight Suit Design
Plan and Illustration by Anthony Grisillo
This plan was developed for fifth-grade students. Please adjust the size of your suits
according to the age of the students.
Materials
Medium Tyvek disposable jumpsuits (available at Grainger’s or other supply companies)
Duct Tape
Full sheet, white sticker paper
Crayons, colored pencils, etc.
Black sharpie pens, one fine point and one ultra-fine point
Scratch paper
White printer paper
Computer
Scanner
Color printer
Internet access
Procedures
1. Search the web for images of the American flag, NASA meatball patch and other
mission patches.
2. Using the scratch paper, have students design their own mission patch.
3. Have students draw their final copy on the white printer paper, using the black sharpie
markers to define edges, words, and numbers.
4. Scan the students’ patches into your computer.
5. Import all the patches into a word document.
6. Print patches out onto the sticker paper.
7. Hem the Tyvek suit legs to fit each student with the duct tape. (The tape can be on
the inside or outside.)
8. Hem the arms.
9. Cut out the sticker patches and put them on the suits. (See Illustration #1 on next page)
10. Your flight suit is ready for space training.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 15 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Flight Suit Design
Name Patch
American Flag
Patch
NASA
Meatball
Patch
Program or
Mission Patch
Illustration #1
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 16 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 17 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Mock Shuttle Orbiter Plans
Plan and Illustrations by US Space Academy and Anthony Grisillo
The Shuttle Orbiter Simulator is composed of three integral parts and one optional part. The first
part is the Orbiter Cabin. This is where the Pilot and Commander would sit and also where the crew
would be for lift-off and most of the mission. The second part is the Cargo Bay. This is where the EVA
would do most of their mission work. The third is the Orbiter Wings. These are for aesthetic purposes
only, but create an obstacle that EVA crew must work around. The optional part is the Orbiter Engines.
These are also for aesthetic purposes, but I found that they obstruct my view too much during the
mission, so I do not use them.
Materials
Box fan
Clear packaging tape (lots)
Duct tape (1 or 2 rolls)
4 mil thick Clear Plastic Drop Cloths
12' x 25' sheet
12' x 4' sheet
12' x 8' sheet
¾" diameter PVC Piping
Twenty-four 5' pieces
Twenty-four 3' pieces
Sixteen 3½" pieces
Four 9' pieces
Two 4' pieces
Two 2' pieces
PVC Piping joints
32 "T" joints
16 "L" joints
PVC glue
Plastic tubing < ¾" diameter
Four 6" pieces
White poster board, foam board, or paper
Plastic zip ties
White Sheets or fabric
Optional
Black paint or paper
2 Refrigerator Boxes
3 Large Buckets
2 Small Buckets
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 18 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Procedures
Orbiter Cabin Construct
Main Cabin Body
1. Roll out the 25' x 12' plastic drop cloth.
2. Cut an isosceles triangular template out of cardboard with a base of 12" and a height of 7'.
3. Use this template to outline 12 triangles on the 25' length of the plastic drop cloth. Each triangle
should be 13" apart.
4. Cut out and discard the 12 triangles.
5. Overlapping the edges slightly, tape AC to BC. Repeat until all 12 triangles have been taped
together. (For added strength, reseal tape on the opposite side.)
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 19 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
6. Tape DE to FG. This will create a cylinder or "sleeve" with open ends.
Nose Cone
7. Unroll the 12' x 4' piece of drop cloth. Cut it into two pieces, one 4' x 4' and one 4' x 8'. The smaller
one will be the Nose Cone square. The larger will be used later as the Fan Sleeve.
8. Locate the center of the 4' x 4' square by folding in quarters. Tie a marker to a 2' long string. Holding
the end of the string at the center of the square, draw a circle having a radius of 2'. Cut the circle out.
9. Construct another isosceles triangular template out of cardboard with a base of 2" and a height of
12". Use the template to cut out 10 triangles along the outer edge of the nose cone circle. (Each
triangle will be approximately 13" apart at the base.) Tape triangle sides together as you did on the
main cabin body.
12"
2"
10. Tape the nose cone to the small end of the main cabin body. (This is a little cumbersome -- make it
fit!)
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 20 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Rear Wall
11. Unroll the 12' x 8' piece of plastic drop cloth. Cut it into two pieces. The smaller one should measure
8' x 4' for the entrance door and the larger should measure 8' x 8' for the rear wall.
12. Again, locate the center of the square by folding in quarters. Tie a marker to a 4' long string. Holding
the end of the string at the center of the square, draw a circle having a radius of 4'. Cut the circle out.
13. Tape the rear wall to the large end of the main cabin body. (Again, this can be frustrating, so take
your time and make it fit!)
Fan Sleeve
14. Retrieve the 4' x 8' rectangle piece of plastic drop cloth made in step #7. Using your fan as a guide,
preferably a box fan, overlap and tape side AC with side BD so that the sleeve fits snugly around the
fan.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 21 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
15. Determine on which side of the main cabin body you want to place the fan sleeve to inflate the orbiter.
(Think about: Where are your outlets? Which way do you want the shuttle to face?) Make a small
"X" (about a 6" x 6" opening) in the main cabin body wall about 8" from the bottom (See diagram). (It
is better to be too low than too high. Remember the inflated shuttle will lift up the sides.) Inflate the
main cabin body with the fan on low power to test out the desired height of the fan sleeve opening.
16. When you have determined where the fan sleeve can most easily join the cabin body, cut a larger "X"
out of the cabin wall. Use the sides of the "X" to join the fan sleeve to the main cabin body. (Tape
this loosely now, you will be able to secure it better after completing the entrance porthole.)
17. With the main cabin body inflated, determine the position for the entrance porthole. (It is best to
center it LOW on the rear cabin wall so the students do not trip over the entrance.)
18. Cut a flap out of the wall. Fold the 8' x 4' piece of plastic drop cloth from step #11 and encase the flap.
(This provides strength to the entrance porthole since it receives so much "wear and tear.”)
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 22 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Orbiter Cabin Framework
19. This is for students to have a spot to hang scripts and to create a frame to prevent the "bubble" from
completely collapsing (In case of a "pressure leak”). The cabin frame consists of ten 5' pieces of
PVC, eight 3' pieces of PVC, eight 3½" PVC pieces, 12 "T" joints, and 8 "L" joints. You can glue
joints of some of the pieces, but do not glue the entire structure together because you will not be able
to remove it once built. Connect the pieces as illustrated below.
******CORNER JOINT ASSEMBLY******
"T" and "L" joints NOT shown in correct positions. "L" joint is 90o off.
“L” Joint
3½"
“T” Joint
3'
"T" and "L" joints shown in correct positions.
“L” Joint
3½”
Pipe
“T” Joint
3’ Straight Pipe
Side View
“L” Joint
3 ½”
Pipe
“T”
Joint
3’ Straight Pipe
Top View
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 23 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Cargo Bay
20. The cargo bay is built much like the cabin frame, but it is much larger. It consists of fourteen 5' PVC
pieces, sixteen 3' PVC pieces, eight 3½" PVC pieces, 20 "T" joints, and 8 "L" joints. Some joints can
be glued, but not all, so it can be stored somewhere. It should be assembled as illustrated.
21. The white sheets or cloth can be sewn, stapled, or pinned to create "tunnel" for the top PVC pipe to
thread through. Each 3' x 5' section should have a piece of cloth covering it. I found that duct tape
works great, instead of creating the "tunnel" on the sheets, you can just tape it to the top pipe.
Orbiter Wings
22. The wings are also made from PVC piping. They consist of four 9' pieces, two 4' pieces, two 2'
pieces, and 4 "L" joints. I also use plastic/rubber tubing that fits into the PVC piping. It helps
strengthen the 2 joints where the "L" joints are not used. The wings should be assembled as
illustrated.
23. Once constructed, you can cover the wing with white cloth, white paper, or poster board. The cloth
and paper can be attached with tape, or the poster board can be attached with zip ties.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 24 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Shuttle Construction
Orbiter Engines (Optional)
24. Place the 2 refrigerator boxes on their sides, one on top of the other.
25. Cover the boxes with black paint or paper.
26. Mark where the 3 main engines will go and then where the 2 Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS)
engines will go.
27. Cut "X's" where you marked and place the 3 large buckets in the main engine slots, and the 2 small
buckets in the OMS slots.
Your shuttle is now finished!
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plan Provided by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 25 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
ISS Construction
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 26 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock ISS Plans
Mock ISS Plans
Plan and Illustrations by Anthony Grisillo
The Mock ISS is essentially a giant bubble. The original idea of the bubble was given to me by a
colleague, Sandy Maxwell. I think he first got it from a NASA workshop of some sort. The bubble plan can be
used to create all kinds of things. You can make any size bubble by just changing the size of the drop cloths.
You can shape the bubble by cutting it in different ways. I have used the bubble concept to create a life-size
finback whale and also an Egyptian pyramid that is three stories high. It is a versatile tool, so use and adapt this
plan to fit any of your needs.
You can add an optional frame to the inside of the bubble. This will be used for students to hang things
from and also to keep the bubble open if there is a “pressure failure.” You can also use gym pads along the
sides of the bubble to simulate solar panels. These are used in my script for the mock mission.
ISS Bubble Construct
Materials
Two 4-mil thick 9’ x 20’ plastic drop cloths
One 4-mil thick 9’ x 12’ (or smaller) plastic drop cloth
Duct tape, duct tape and more duct tape
One regular household fan
Scissors
Procedures
1. Unfold one 9’ x 20’ drop cloth.
2. Unfold the second 9’ x 20’ drop cloth on top of the first drop cloth. (See Illustration #1 .)
3. Using the duct tape, tape three of the four edges of the two drop cloths together,
creating a very large plastic bag. (See Illustration #2.)
Illustration #2
Illustration #1
Duct Taped
Open Side
(Untaped Side)
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by Sandy Maxwell and NASA
www.mrgsworld.com
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock ISS Plans
4. Invert the plastic bag by pulling it inside out.
5. Re-tape all three sides. (This creates a stronger seal on the bubble.)
6. Put this main bubble piece aside.
7. Get your fan and measure a piece of plastic drop cloth to fig snugly around the fan.
8. Make a tube to go from the fan to the bubble by folding the piece of plastic drop cloth
from step 7 into a long tube. (The length of the fan tube will affect the stability of the
fan when the bubble is blown up. It is better to make it too long and then shorten it
later to meet your space requirements.) (See Illustrations #3 and #4.)
The Fan
Duct Taped
Side
Folded Side
Open Side
(Untaped Side)
Illustration #3
Illustration #4
Main Bubble Piece
9. Place about 10 cm of the tube inside of the main bubble piece
on the open side. (See Illustration #5.)
10. Tape the main bubble piece to the fan tube, taping only the
outside for now.
11. Tape the rest of the main bubble piece’s open side closed.
(Once again, only worry about the outside.)
Fan Tube
12. Place the fan in the end of the fan tube and turn on the fan.
(Your bubble will blow up and start to float. Don’t worry, you
are about to fix this.)
Illustration #5
13. Once the bubble is inflated, cut a few vents on the roof of your bubble. (This allows
the air to flow through the bubble and also for the bubble to settle on the ground. I
don’t suggest cutting too many vents or large vents right away. It is easier to add
more later than it is to fix vents too large or remove one too many.)
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by Sandy Maxwell and NASA
www.mrgsworld.com
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock ISS Plans
14. Choose a side for your door. (Look at the space in which you would like to use your
bubble. Choose a side that will optimize the use of the bubble in your space.)
15. Cut a vertical slit about a meter long for your door. (Make it longer if you can’t fit
through. Remember, the door will also act like a vent, so if it is too big, it may let too
much air escape.)
16. Tape the edges of the door. (See Illustration #6.)
17. Climb inside the bubble and reinforce the fan tube connection by
taping the inside.
18. Reinforce the last main bubble piece seam from the inside.
Illustration #6
19. Tape the edges of the vents. (See Illustration #6.) (Add more
vents if the bubble is still floating too high.)
Duct Tape
20. Your bubble ISS is finished.
ISS Frame Construct (Optional)
Materials
Eight 10’ long, ½” diameter Aluminum Conduit Pipes
½” diameter Pipe Bender
Pipe Cutter
Eight ½” diameter Plastic “t” Joints, with Metal Threads
Top of “t” joint
Procedures
Leg of “t” joint
1. Cut four pipes into 4 ½’ sections.
Illustration #7
2. Use the pipe bender to bend the 4 ½’ pipe sections into quarter circle arcs.
3. Form two circles, using the 4 ½’ arcs and the “t” joints.
Connect the arc pieces with the “top” of the “t” joints.
(See Illustration #7 and #8 .)
4. Connect the two circles using the remaining 10’ pipes.
Connect them using the “leg” of the “t” joints.
5. You will need to disassemble the framework to place
inside of the ISS bubble. Also disassemble for storage.
Illustration #8
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by Sandy Maxwell and NASA
www.mrgsworld.com
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock ISS Plans
Mock ISS Set-Up
Materials
One ISS Bubble
One ISS Framework (optional)
Four Gym Pads
Four Small Construction Cones
Four Rings (Large enough to fit on cones)
Procedures
1. Choose an area with plenty of room. It should be at least 30’ x 30’.
2. Blow up ISS Bubble.
3. Put ISS Framework together in side of ISS Bubble. (optional)
4. Place two gym pads on either side of the ISS Bubble.
5. Place a construction cone with a ring on it between the ISS Bubble and the end of the
gym pad.
6. Your Mock ISS is ready for use.
Really Bad Drawing of Mock ISS
(You know it’s bad when you have to label what things are!)
Bubble
Fan and
Fan Tube
Frame
Gym
Mats
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by Sandy Maxwell and NASA
www.mrgsworld.com
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 31 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Script
Mock Mission Script
Plan by Anthony Grisillo
Included in this packet are a master script for all speaking parts and scripts for the EVAs
and Scientists.
Cast
Mission Control
Flight Director (Person in charge of it all)
CAPCOM (Communicates with shuttle)
Station Communicator (StatCom) (Communicates with the ISS)
Flight Activities Officer (FAO) (Keeps mission on schedule and monitors all flight activities)
Guidance, Navigation and Control Systems Engineer (GNC) (Monitors guidance and
navigation systems)
Extra-Vehicular Activities Officer (EVA) (Monitors all extra-vehicular activities)
STS Crew (Shuttle Crew)
Commander
Pilot
EVA #1
EVA #2
Scientist #1
Scientist #2
International Space Station Crew (ISS Crew)
Commander
EVA #1
EVA #2
Scientist #1
Scientist #2
BOLD characters are speaking parts.
The Pilot can have a speaking part, but it is not in this script. Check my website for
alternate scripts.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
T-5:00
Flight Activities Officer (FAO): Flight time is T-minus 5 minutes.
Flight Director (FD): Welcome to the (Your school name) Space Agency and the flight of STS101. The crew of the shuttle (fill in your own shuttle name) has entered the orbiter through the
side hatch and has strapped themselves in for launch.
FAO: Shuttle _____ is on Pad 39A and is ready for launch.
T-4:00
FAO: Flight time is T-minus 4 minutes.
FD: CAPCOM, verify communication with the crew of shuttle ______.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____, this is CAPCOM at mission control, radio check. Over.
Shuttle Commander: Roger, mission control. This is Commander ___________ of the
shuttle _____ and we have audible communication. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Shuttle _____. Out.
(To Flight Director) Flight director, we have confirmed audible communication with the
shuttle.
FD: STATCOM, verify communication with the crew of the ISS.
STATCOM: Attention ISS, this is STATCOM at mission control, radio check. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger, mission control. This is Commander ___________ of the ISS and
we have audible communication. Over.
STATCOM: Roger, ISS. Out.
(To Flight Director) Flight director, we have confirmed audible communication with the ISS.
T-3:00
FD: FAO, what is our status?
FAO: We are at T-minus 3 minutes and holding.
FD: OK, FAO, continue the countdown. CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle Commander to
retract the Orbiter Access Arm.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle Commander. You are go for Orbiter Access Arm retraction.
Over.
SS Commander: Roger Houston. We are retracting Orbiter Access Arm. Hold. (Talk to
Pilot. Then say to CAPCOM) Attention Houston. We have retracted Orbiter Access Arm.
Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has retracted Orbiter Access Arm.
FD: CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle that they should start Auxiliary Power Units.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle Commander. You should start Auxiliary Power Units.
SS Commander: Roger Houston. We are turning on the APUs. Hold. (Talk to Pilot. Then
say to CAPCOM) Attention Houston, APUs are on. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has started APUs.
FD: CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle to switch to Internal Power.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____. Please switch to Internal Power. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are switching to Internal Power. Hold. (Talk to Pilot.
Then say to CAPCOM) Attention Houston. We have switched to Internal Power. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has switched to Internal Power.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
T-2:00
FAO: Flight time is T-minus 2 minutes and counting.
FD: CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle to pressurize the Liquid Oxygen Tank and retract the
Gaseous Oxygen Hood.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____. Please pressurize the Liquid Oxygen Tank and retract
the Gaseous Oxygen Hood. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are pressurizing the Liquid Oxygen Tank and
retracting the Gaseous Oxygen Hood. Hold. (Talk to Pilot. Then say to CAPCOM 1)
Attention Houston. We have pressurized the Liquid Oxygen Tank and retracted the Gaseous
Oxygen Hood. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has pressurized the Liquid Oxygen Tank and retracted the
Gaseous Oxygen Hood.
FD: CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle to pressurize the Liquid Hydrogen Tank.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____. Please pressurize the Liquid Hydrogen Tank. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are pressurizing the Liquid Hydrogen Tank. Hold.
(Talk to Pilot. Then say to CAPCOM) Attention Houston. We have pressurized the Liquid
Hydrogen Tank. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has pressurized the Liquid Hydrogen Tank.
T-1:00
FAO: Flight time is T-minus 1 minute.
FD: CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle to start the SRBs' Hydraulic Power Units.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____. Please start the SRBs' Hydraulic Power Units. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are starting the SRBs' Hydraulic Power Units. Hold.
(Talk to Pilot. Then say to CAPCOM) Attention Houston. We have started the SRBs'
Hydraulic Power Units. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has started the SRBs' Hydraulic Power Units.
T-0:30
FAO: Flight time is T-MINUS 30 seconds.
FD: FAO, you can begin countdown at T-Minus 10 seconds.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, all systems are a go for lift off. Countdown at T-minus 10
seconds.
FAO: Ready for launch in...
T-0:10
(Say this simultaneously)
FAO: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. We have lift off.
CAPCOM: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. We have lift off.
STATCOM: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. We have lift off.
(Say this at EXACTLY SIX SECONDS)
Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Systems Engineer (GNC): Main engine ignition.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
0:00 (A & B at same time)
<A>
GNC: Flight Director, all systems look good. SRB separation in 60 seconds and counting.
FD: CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle that all systems look normal and they should
prepare for main engine ignition and for SRB separation to occur at 1 minute.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle Commander, all things look normal and you should prepare for
main engine ignition and for SRB separation to occur at 1 minute. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. Everything feels fine here and we are ready to start the
main engine and for SRB separation. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger that Shuttle Commander. Hold.
GNC: Shuttle roll maneuver is complete. Altitude is 200,000 feet. Ready main engine
ignition and SRB separation.
FAO: Coming up on 1 minute.
<B>
ISS Commander: Attention Houston, this is Commander _______ aboard the ISS and I am
ready to dispatch our EVA crew. Over.
STATCOM: Roger Commander _______. Hold.
(To EVA) ISS is ready to dispatch EVA crew.
EVA: Proceed with dispatch of ISS EVA crew.
STATCOM: Attention ISS. Proceed with dispatch of EVA crew. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger that Houston, the EVA crew has begun the construction of the new
solar arrays. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
EVA: Flight Director, ISS EVA crew has begun the construction of the new solar arrays.
1:00
FAO: Flight time is 1 minute and counting.
GNC: Shuttle is at 240,000 feet. Start main engines and drop SRBs.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, you are go for main engine ignition and SRB separation. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We have main engine ignition and SRB separation.
Over.
CAPCOM: Roger. Hold.
(To Flight Director) The Shuttle has confirmed main engine ignition and SRB separation.
GNC: All systems look normal.
FD: Ready crew and control for MECO and separation to occur at 2 minutes.
CAPCOM: Attention Commander ______. Prepare for MECO and separation to occur at 2
minutes. Over.
SS Commander: Roger Houston. We are ready for MECO and separation. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Shuttle. Hold.
GNC: Shuttle is at 400,000 feet and climbing. All systems look normal. MECO and
separation is a go at 2 minutes.
FAO: Coming up on 2 minutes.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
2:00
FAO: Flight time is 2 minutes and counting.
GNC: MECO and separation is GO.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle Commander, you are GO for MECO and separation. Over.
SS Commander: Roger Houston. We have MECO and separation. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger. Out.
(To Flight Director) The Shuttle has confirmed MECO and separation.
FD: GNC, what is our status on achieved orbit?
GNC: Correct orbit has been achieved.
FD: Thank you GNC. FAO what is our current time?
FAO: (Say the current time and if you are ahead of or behind schedule.)
FD: Thank you FAO.
(FD, If you are ahead of schedule, use script A, if you are behind schedule, use script B.)
<A>
FD: CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle crew that they may continue with their mission as
scheduled.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle crew. All things are normal and you may continue with your
mission as scheduled.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. Mission is underway. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger that Shuttle. Good luck and Out.
<B>
FD: CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle crew that we are behind schedule and they must
make do with the lost time and begin their mission now.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle crew. We are behind schedule and you must make do with the
lost time and begin your mission now. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We will proceed with our mission now and try to make up
for lost time. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Shuttle. Out.
(To Flight Director) Flight Director, mission is underway.
FD: Thank you CAPCOM, please continue monitoring their progress. GNC, how is our
trajectory?
GNC: All systems are normal and the flight is going as planned.
FD: OK! Good work everyone. Now we just have to bring our crew home safely.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
- 36 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
3:00
SS Commander: Attention Houston, this is Commander _______ aboard the Shuttle _____
and I am ready to dispatch our EVA crew. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger Commander _______. Hold.
(To EVA) Shuttle _____ is ready to dispatch EVA crew.
EVA: Proceed with dispatch of Space Shuttle EVA crew. Remind them to watch their time.
They have only a short window to complete their mission.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____. Proceed with dispatch of EVA crew. Remember to
watch your time. Your ten minute window will go by quickly. Over.
SS Commander: Roger that Houston, the EVA crew has begun the repair of the satellite.
Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander. Out.
EVA: Flight Director, the Space Shuttle's EVA crew has begun the repairs on the MTV
satellite.
5:00
ISS Commander: Attention Houston, we are changing power from Solar to Battery. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Proceed with transfer of power. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger Houston. The batteries are operational and the solar panels are
off-line. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
10:00
ISS Commander: Attention Houston, we are changing power from Battery to Solar. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Proceed with transfer of power. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger Houston, the solar panels are operational, the batteries are
recharging and the EVA has returned. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Proceed with transfer of power. Hold.
(To EVA) The ISS EVA team has returned to the ISS.
EVA: Tell the team that their mission was a success. I can see the power level increasing
already.
STATCOM: Attention ISS Commander. The EVA at mission control has informed me that
their mission was a success. Good work up there. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger that Houston, we only work with the best up here. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
13:00
SS Commander: Attention Houston, the EVA has returned. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger ISS. Hold.
(To EVA) The Space Shuttle's EVA team has returned to the Shuttle.
EVA: Tell the team that their mission was a success. MTV has reported better
transmissions.
CAPCOM: Attention Commander _______. The EVA at mission control has informed me
that the satellite is once again functioning properly. Keep up the good work. Over.
SS Commander: Roger that Houston, if only we could fix the programs on MTV now. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
14:00
FAO: We have reached the 14th minute of the mission. Shuttle is scheduled to dock with
the ISS, Flight Director.
FD: CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle that they are approaching the ISS and should
prepare for docking.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, you are approaching the ISS and you should prepare for
docking. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. The ISS is in view and we are ready to dock. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger Shuttle. Hold.
(To Flight Director) The Shuttle is in position and ready to dock.
FD: STATCOM, please confirm the Shuttle's position with the ISS.
STATCOM: Attention ISS. Please confirm the Shuttle _____'s approach. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger that Houston, the Shuttle's approach is looking good. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS and Out.
(To Flight Director) The ISS has confirmed the Shuttle's position.
FD: CAPCOM, tell the Shuttle to proceed with docking.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, proceed with docking. Over.
SS Commander: Roger that Houston, the Shuttle is docked. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander __________. Out.
(To Flight Director) The Shuttle has docked with the ISS.
15:00
ISS Commander: Attention Houston, we are changing power from Solar to Battery. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Proceed with transfer of power. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger Houston, the batteries are operational and the solar panels are offline. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
18:00
FD: Tell the Shuttle _____ and the ISS to begin release procedures.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle _____. You are GO for release from the ISS. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are ready to be released for the ISS. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Shuttle. Hold.
(To STATCOM) Shuttle is awaiting release.
STATCOM: Attention ISS. Please confirm the Shuttle _____'s release. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger that Houston, we have released the docking mechanism. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Hold.
(To CAPCOM) ISS has released the shuttle.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, ISS has confirmed the release of the docking mechanism.
Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are free and resuming our orbit. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Shuttle. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle is resuming orbit.
FD: STATCOM, please have the ISS confirm departure.
STATCOM: Attention ISS. Please confirm Shuttle _____'s departure. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger, Houston. The shuttle is away. Over.
STATCOM: Roger, ISS. Out.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
20:00 (A & B at same time)
<A>
FAO: Flight Director. We are at 20 minutes and counting. The shuttle should prepare for
reentry.
FD: Thank you FAO. CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle that they should prepare for
reentry. GNC, what is the status of the weather at the landing site?
(CAPCOM, see below)
GNC: (Check your radar for the weather near Houston, Texas. Tell the FD what you read.)
CAPCOM: (Do this at the same time that GNC is looking up weather data.) Attention
Shuttle. You should prepare for reentry by securing all loose items and crew. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are currently storing all gear and crew members.
Hold. (Wait until all items are stored and all crew members are sitting in their correct
positions.) Attention Houston, we are stowed and ready for reentry. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger, Commander ________. Out. Flight Director, the shuttle is ready for
reentry.
<B>
ISS Commander: Attention Houston, we are changing power from Battery to Solar. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Proceed with transfer of power. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger Houston, the solar panels are operational and the batteries are
recharging. Over
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
21:00
FAO: Flight time is 21 minutes and counting.
GNC: Flight Director, the Shuttle is in position for roll over maneuver and deorbit OMS burn.
FD: CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle to start the roll over maneuver and deorbit OMS burn.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, please start roll over maneuver and deorbit OMS burn. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are now commencing with the roll over maneuver
and deorbit OMS burn. Hold. (Wait a second or two to complete maneuver and burn.)
Attention Houston, roll over and deorbit OMS burn complete. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger Shuttle, Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has completed roll over maneuver and deorbit OMS burn.
22:00
FAO: Flight time is 22 minutes and counting.
GNC: Flight Director, the Shuttle is approaching Ionosphere blackout.
FD: CAPCOM, please tell the Shuttle to prepare for blackout. We will be back in touch with
them in less than 1 minute.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, please prepare for blackout. We will be back in touch with you
in less than 1 minute. Over
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We are ready for blackout. Talk to you in a few. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger Shuttle, Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle is now in blackout, sir.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
- 39 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Script
23:00
FAO: Flight time is 23 minutes and counting.
GNC: Flight Director, the Shuttle is out of the Ionosphere and we can reestablish
communication.
FD: CAPCOM, please inform the Shuttle to deploy their landing gear.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, welcome back and please deploy your landing gear.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We have deployed our landing gear. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger Shuttle, Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has deployed their landing gear.
24:00
FAO: Flight time is 24 minutes and counting.
GNC: Flight Director, the Shuttle is touching down.
FD: CAPCOM, please ask the Shuttle to confirm touchdown and to deploy drag chute.
CAPCOM: Attention Shuttle, please confirm touchdown and deploy drag chute. Over.
SS Commander: Roger, Houston. We confirm touchdown and have deployed the drag
chute. Over.
CAPCOM: Roger Shuttle, welcome home. Out.
(To Flight Director) Shuttle has deployed the drag chute.
FD: GNC, what is the Shuttle's status?
GNC: The Shuttle is slowing down and will be at a complete stop at 25 minutes.
25:00 (A & B at same time)
<A>
FAO: Flight time is 25 minutes and holding.
FD: GNC, what is the Shuttle's position?
GNC: The Shuttle has come to a full stop on the runway and the runway crew has met them.
FD: OK everyone, good job.
<B>
ISS Commander: Attention Houston, we are changing power from Solar to Battery. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Proceed with transfer of power. Over.
ISS Commander: Roger Houston, the batteries are operational and the solar panels are offline. Over.
STATCOM: Roger ISS. Out.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Original Plans Supplied by US Space Academy
- 40 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission EVA Activities
Mock Mission EVA Activities
Plan by Anthony Grisillo
On your mock mission, your EVAs need something to do. Included in this packet are a
Shuttle EVA script and an ISS EVA script. The activities described are based upon missions that
real astronauts might have to do. Obviously, your students cannot be in a micro-gravity
environment (Unless you have an amazing budget. If you have one which is that good, please let
me know, I may want to join your staff.), so you can simulate the challenges of micro-gravity by
limiting students’ movements.
All details about the harsh environment experience in outer space should be discussed
with the EVAs. They must understand the risk that all astronaut EVAs take when they leave the
protection of the Space Shuttle or International Space Station. If a student does something
during the mock mission that would kill him or her in real life, he or she must play dead. This is
part of the mission experience.
EVA Rules and Equipment
Materials
Pair of work gloves for each EVA
Plastic dollies or scooters
Any other space accessories that an astronaut might wear on an EVA
Rules
1. If a student is leaving the protection of the mock Shuttle or ISS, he or she must dress
appropriately. All EVAs must wear work gloves while they are outside of the mock Shuttle
or ISS. Headset walkie-talkies can also be worn, as well as “space helmets” of some sort.
2. EVAs are also restricted to moving around outside of the mock shuttle or ISS on the dolly
or scooter. They can sit or kneel on the dolly and push themselves around.
3. If a student removes part of his or her “protective” gear while outside of the shuttle or ISS,
he or she is dead. The moderator/chaperone should tell the student he or she is dead and
he or she must not move anymore.
4. The other EVA may choose to either finish the mission or try and return their partner’s
“corpse” back to the mock Shuttle or ISS.
5. If a student falls off of his or her dolly, the dolly should be gently pushed away from him or
her, out of their reach. The student is considered “adrift” in space and must not move until
his or her dolly is returned to him or her by another EVA.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission EVA Activities
EVA Missions and Activities
Overview
You can create any type of activity you want to simulate the following missions. I have
included my versions of Shuttle EVA Mission #1 and ISS EVA Mission #1. These missions can
be simulated in any manner that you feel comfortable with. You can create any method you
would like to simulate Missions #2 and #3, but I have only included suggestions for these.
Shuttle EVA Mission #1
Materials
Portable radio with batteries
Music CD with music on it (I suggest something “spacey”)
Two milk crates
String
Set-up
1. Place two milk crates on their sides with open side facing each other. (See Illustration #1.)
2. Put radio inside of two milk crates and close them together. (See Illustration #1.)
3. Tie milk crates together loosely. You should barely
be able to reach your hands between the two milk
crates.
4. Put the CD inside of the radio UPSIDE DOWN.
5. Make sure the radio is set to OFF position.
Illustration #1
6. Put batteries in radio the WRONG WAY. (If you plan on leaving this set-up together for a
long period of time, remove the batteries. Incorrect battery position may damage batteries
or portable radio over a prolonged period of time.)
Procedure
1. Tell EVAs that they must get the portable radio to play the CD inside. Remind them that
they must do this while wearing the gloves and staying on the dolly. They also may not place
any item on the ground because it would float away into “space.”
2. If they get the radio to work or they run out of time, they should return to the mock Shuttle.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission EVA Activities
ISS EVA Mission #1
Materials
These items should be part of your mock ISS:
Four expandable gym pads (the kind that unfold to a larger size)
Four construction cones
Four rings (large enough to fit on construction cones)
Set-up
1. Place the four gym pads on the sides of the mock ISS. Keep them folded.
2. Place the cone between the ISS bubble and the gym pad. (See Illustration #2.)
3. Put the ring on the cone.
Cones w/ rings
Illustration #2
Gym Pads
Procedure
1. Tell EVAs that they must adjust the “solar panels” on the ISS. Remind them that they must
do this while wearing the gloves and staying on the dolly. They also may not place any
item on the ground because it would float away into “space.”
2. To adjust the “solar panels” the students need to:
o First, remove the ring from the cone.
o Second, flip the gym pad over and open it up to its full width.
o Third, place the ring back on the cone.
3. After adjusting all four “solar panels,” or if time runs out, they should return to the mock
ISS.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission EVA Activities
Shuttle and ISS EVA: Missions #2 & #3
Shuttle Mission #2 – Canada Arm Malfunction
o You can use a robotic arm that must be retracted using the remote control.
o You can build a Canada Arm out of cardboard tubes or PVC pipes that can be
extended and retracted.
o You can use a piece of cloth to simulate the extended Canada Arm.
ISS Mission #2 – O2 Replenishment
o You can use empty containers of some sort to simulate O2 canisters. Place four in
the ISS and two more on the Shuttle. Have students exchange two for two.
o Use empty fountain soda canisters to simulate the O2 canisters.
o You can turn off the fan to the ISS. (ONLY DO THIS IF YOU HAVE BUILT THE
OPTIONAL ISS FRAMEWORK!)
Shuttle and ISS Mission #3 – Failed Docking Mechanism
o A docking mechanism can be simulated using construction cones and rings.
o An extension can be built from the mock ISS that attaches to the mock Shuttle,
simulating a docking station.
***** NOTE *****
The following two pages are the Shuttle EVA and ISS EVA scripts.
A copy should be provided for each EVA crew member accordingly. The
commander of the Shuttle and ISS should receive their respective copy
also. The flight director and EVA officer at Mission Control should both
receive a copy of each script. Moderators/chaperones should also have
a copy of both scripts.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission EVA Activities
Shuttle EVA Script
Time
What to do:
0:00
Lift off.
3:00
Start EVA Mission #1.
13:00
Return to Space Shuttle.
14:00
Help Scientists with experiments
until entire mission is complete.
25:00
Mission complete.
EVA #1
Satellite repair
The MTV satellite is not broadcasting properly. You must exit the
shuttle and repair the satellite while it is in orbit. You must do this by
replacing the batteries in the sound modulator.
EVA #2
Canada Arm Malfunction
The Canada Arm has malfunctioned and is stuck in an extended
position. You must fix this so it can be retracted before re-entry.
EVA #3
Failed Docking Mechanism
The Shuttle is trying to dock with the ISS, but the shuttle's docking
mechanism has failed. You must leave the shuttle and try to fix the
problem from the outside. Once the problem is fixed, return to the
shuttle with any faulty parts.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission EVA Activities
ISS EVA Script
Time
What to do:
0:00
Start EVA Mission #1.
10:00
Return to ISS.
11:00
Help Scientists with experiments
until entire mission is complete.
25:00
Mission complete.
EVA #1
Solar Array Construction
The tiles on the solar arrays are malfunctioning. Your team must
arrange new solar tiles, replacing the old ones. Once completed, return
to the ISS with the old tiles.
EVA #2
O2 Replenishment
The International Space Station's O2 is depleted. You must take
two used tanks to the Shuttle and receive two full tanks of O2. Then
return to the ISS.
EVA #3
Failed Docking Mechanism
The Shuttle is trying to release from the docking mechanism, but
the mechanism has failed. You must leave the ISS and try to fix the
problem from the outside. Once the problem is fixed, return to the ISS
with any faulty parts.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Scientist Activities
Mock Mission Scientist Activities
Plan by Anthony Grisillo
On your mock mission, your scientists need experiments to do. Included in this packet is a
Scientist script. The experiments given are fun to do, but are not meant to be extremely scientific.
You can have students do any type of experiment you choose. Just remember time constraints
and equipment issues.
Scientist Scripts and Record Sheets
Overview
Again, you can have your students do any type of experiments. The two I have included
are meant to simulate activities done on past missions. The actual experiments are explained in
detail on the scripts, so there is no further explanation. I suggest laminating the record sheets so
that they can be used multiple times.
If you choose to do experiments that use chemicals or involve mixing liquids, you can
simulate what a scientist would use on a mission even further. NASA has glove box templates
that can be used to make experiments a little more challenging. Glove boxes are used to do
experiments in a vacuum. Scientists must place their hands in gloves and work on their
experiments by looking through a glass window into the box. It is very challenging to work this
way. The glove box template is self-explanatory and very inexpensive to complete. I suggest
using it for small experiments that can be done inside of a box.
The glove box template can be obtained from a NASA Educator Resource Center. You
can find the one closest to you at the following website:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/k-4/contacts/ERCN_Field_Center_Listing.html#gsfc
These resource centers have many great projects for students to do.
teachers should investigate them and make use of them.
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I suggest all
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Scientist Activities
Shuttle Scientist Script
Time
What to do:
0:00
3:00
25:00
Lift off.
Begin experiments. Continue until mission is complete.
Mission complete.
Experiment #1
Effects of Outer Space on People
Materials
Dolly
Two Test Subjects
Record Sheet #1
1. Have the first subject sit on the dolly.
2. Tell the subject to keep his or her eyes open and spin them around 10 times.
3. As soon as you stop the subject from spinning, look at his or her eyes to see if they
keep moving. Record the results on the Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other subject.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 for both subjects, but have them close their eyes. Record the results
on the Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet.
6. Complete the Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet.
Experiment #2
Effects of Outer Space on Vision
Materials
One Test Subject
Ball
Tape Measure
Record Sheet #2
One pair of space goggles
1. Have the subject stand three feet away from the scientist. Use the tape measure.
2. Tell the subject to put on the pair of goggles.
3. Have the subject pass the ball back and forth to the scientist 10 times, recording the
number of catches for the subject on Scientist Experiment #2 Record Sheet.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for five feet apart.
5. Complete the Scientist Experiment #2 Record Sheet.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Scientist Activities
ISS Scientist Script
Time
What to do:
0:00
25:00
Begin experiments. Continue until mission is complete.
Mission complete.
Experiment #1
Effects of Outer Space on People
Materials
Dolly
Two Test Subjects
Record Sheet #1
1. Have the first subject sit on the dolly.
2. Tell the subject to keep his or her eyes open and spin them around 10 times.
3. As soon as you stop the subject from spinning, look at his or her eyes to see if they
keep moving. Record the results on the Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other subject.
5. Repeat steps 1-3 for both subjects, but have them close their eyes. Record the results
on the Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet.
6. Complete the Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet.
Experiment #2
Effects of Outer Space on Vision
Materials
One Test Subject
Ball
Tape Measure
Record Sheet #2
One pair of space goggles
1. Have the subject stand three feet away from the scientist. Use the tape measure.
2. Tell the subject to put on the pair of goggles.
3. Have the subject pass the ball back and forth to the scientist 10 times, recording the
number of catches for the subject on Scientist Experiment #2 Record Sheet.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for five feet apart.
5. Complete the Scientist Experiment #2 Record Sheet.
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Scientist Experiment #1 Record Sheet
Subject #1
Eyes Open
Which moved more?
Eyes Closed
Subject #2
Eyes Open
Which moved more?
Why do you think the results happened the way they did?
Eyes Closed
Scientist Experiment #2 Record Sheet
Subject #1 (Number of catches)
Three Feet
Five Feet
Ten Feet
Subject #2 (Number of catches)
Three Feet
Five Feet
Does distance affect the subjects' ability to catch the ball in space? Explain.
Ten Feet
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mission Set-Up
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Set-Up
Mock Mission Set-up
Plan by Anthony Grisillo
You can set up several configurations. I will suggest only a few here. Always evaluate
your space and equipment available before trying this project and adjust set-up to suit your
needs.
Standard Set-up
Materials
Teleconferencing equipment
Stopwatches (at least 11)
EVA Simulations
Scientist Materials
Problem Cards (at the end of this section)
Two Pairs of Two-Way Radios
Two Poly Coms or similar equipment
One Mock Shuttle
One Mock ISS
Mission Scripts
Timer (that can countdown backwards)
Procedure
Location Description
You will need two rooms. One room should be large enough to hold both the mock Shuttle
and the mock ISS. The other can be smaller and will house Mission Control.
Shuttle/ISS Room Set-up
1. Inflate mock Shuttle and mock ISS.
2. Build cargo bay and place wings on its sides.
3. Construct framework inside of nose cone and ISS bubbles.
4. Be sure to leave enough room for EVAs to maneuver on dollies. Keep extension cords
and such out of the paths they will use.
5. **NOTE** Be sure you know where your electrical circuit breakers are. In older buildings,
older circuit breakers can be tripped during the mission.
6. Put one of your teleconferencing set-ups in a spot that can view both the mock Shuttle and
the mock ISS.
7. Set-up your EVAs’ mission materials. Try to keep these within the camera’s view also.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Set-Up
Mission Control Room Set-up
1. Have the Mission Control team sit with the Flight Director in the center.
2. The CAPCOM and Station Communicator should sit on either side.
3. The remaining crew members should sit together either in front or back of the Flight
Director.
4. The teleconferencing equipment should be set up in the front of the room so everyone can
see it.
Mission: Almost Ready for Countdown!
1. Gather students together in one room. Give stopwatches to the following people:
a. Flight Director
b. CAPCOM
c. Station Communicator
d. FAO
e. GNC
f. EVA Coordinator
g. Shuttle Commander
h. ISS Commander
i. All moderators/chaperones
2. Remind students that their scripts are only their guides. They may ad lib or say whatever
they feel is appropriate at any time. Also remind them to have fun!
3. Send the Shuttle and ISS crews and the Mission Control team to their starting points
(I hope this is obvious).
4. Tell all EVAs and Scientists that they must have all of their gear stowed neatly. (Their
equipment just needs to be stored in an organized manner. Before landing, all items
should be returned to this spot.)
5. Set one pair of two-way radios to any channel and give them to the CAPCOM and Shuttle
Commander. Set the other set of two-way radios to a DIFFERENT CHANNEL and give
them to the Station Communicator and ISS Commander.
6. Give the countdown timer to the FAO with 5:00 minutes on it. Let the FAO know that the
countdown can be stopped at any time for the procedures to catch up and be on time.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Set-Up
Mock Mission: GAME ON!
1. Inform all moderators/chaperones that you will be beginning. They should tell all
participants to get ready.
2. Tell the FAO to begin the countdown.
3. GAME ON!
4. Let the mission go as scripted. As it progresses, give out problem cards to the appropriate
people at random times and watch the problem solving begin.
5. Have moderators/chaperones enforce any penalties.
6. At mission end, gather everyone together to discuss the experience.
Alternate Set-ups
Materials
All materials should be the same, with the exclusion of some materials.
Alternate Situations
Only One Location Can Be Used
Have your Mission Control set-up in a classroom. Or have them set up in the same
spot as the mock Shuttle and mock ISS with their backs to the action. (This will prevent them
from seeing something happen before it can be properly communicated through the two-way
radios)
No Teleconferencing Equipment
Don’t worry about it. The visual link is only a luxury. The mission can be successfully
completed by using the two-way radios only.
Two-Way Radios Do Not Work Through Walls
Try using cell phones or landline phones. See if someone can donate minutes. If neither
of these two options is available, put the mission control in the same room as the mock
Shuttle and mock ISS. (See Only One Location Can Be Used.)
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Mock Mission Set-Up
Not Enough Stopwatches To Go Around
Make sure the FAO has one, and the two Commanders each have one. The FAO can
keep track of time for all of Mission Control.
Too Many Parts, Not Enough Students
This happens to me all of the time. Just combine parts. The EVA and Scientist parts are
easily combined. If necessary, you can also combine the EVA Coordinator, GNC and FAO. I
suggest trying to keep FAO by itself if you can.
Too Many Students, Not Enough Parts
Create more parts. The shuttle can hold seven people. So you can create more EVA or
Scientist parts. There are lots of Mission Control positions that can be created.
A media position can be created. This can include several people if you like. A reporter,
camera person and sound person could all be used to document the mission. Multiple
reporter teams can be used to get different viewpoints.
Problem Cards
These are given out during the mock mission. They contain situations that the students
must solve. They are best given out during “lulls” in the mission or when a team gets too
cocky. Cards should be cut out and glued on large index cards. Laminating the cards helps
protect them for prolonged use.
Each card tells who to hand it to and what that person must do. More than one card can
be given out at a time to create some chaos.
Most problems have been discussed already, others need some preparation. These are a
“Space Virus,” “Radiation Leak” and “Fire.” Each of these is represented with colored clay,
blue being the virus, yellow being the radiation leak, and red being the fire. You will also need
to place a blanket in the ISS for the students to use as protection in the “Meteor Shower”.
Materials
Clay (Blue, Yellow, & Red)
Blanket for ISS
Procedures
1. Hide a small ball of each color of clay in three different spots on both the mock
Shuttle and ISS. Suggested spots: framework, under EVA dollies, etc.
2. When students find the problems, they should not touch them with their bare hands.
They need to take “precautions” when disposing of these problems.
3. Students should hide under the blanket to be protected during the “meteor shower.”
A mylar “space” blanket is neat to use for this, but not necessary.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
Mission Control Problem #1
Audio Communication Is Down
GIVE TO: Mission Control Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Without asking, take one of the two-way radios from either
the CAPCOM or StatCom and flip one of the batteries upside down AND/OR
change the channel it is set to without the CAPCOM or StatCom seeing.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The CAPCOM or StatCom should inform the Flight
Director of the malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the channel
and batteries.
Mission Control Problem #2
Visual Image Is Down
GIVE TO: Mission Control Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Unplug teleconferencing camera from TV.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The EVA should inform the Flight Director of the
malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the camera connections.
Mission Control Problem #3
Computer Malfunction
(Only if using laptops)
GIVE TO: Mission Control Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Unplug the laptops. (Eventually, a low battery warning should appear.)
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The EVA should inform the Flight Director of the
malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the power connections.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
STS Problem #1
Loss of Power to Main Board
GIVE TO: STS Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Shut off power strip to main board in the mock Shuttle.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The Shuttle Commander should inform Mission
Control of the malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the power
supply to main board.
STS Problem #2
Loss of Cabin Pressure
GIVE TO: STS Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Shut off power strip to fan blowing up the mock nose cone or
turn down the speed of the fan.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The Shuttle Commander should inform Mission
Control of the malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the power
supply to fan.
ISS Problem #1
Loss of Power to Main Board
GIVE TO: ISS Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Shut off power strip to main board in the ISS.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The ISS Commander should inform Mission Control
of the malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the power supply to
main board.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
STS Problem #3
Space Virus
GIVE TO: EVA Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the Shuttle crew that one of the EVA crew members
must have brought a Space Virus into the Shuttle Orbiter when they
returned. Tell them they have 3 MINUTES to find the virus (blue clay). Be
sure to note the time to monitor the next three minutes or use a separate
timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS: If they find the virus in three minutes or less, tell them all
sensors are clear and they can continue with their mission.
If they do NOT find the virus in three minutes or less, randomly choose a crew
member and inform the STS crew that the crew member has grown ill and must lie down for
next 5 minutes. (Note the time again.) After the five minutes are up, tell them that the
crew member’s vital signs seem better and he or she can resume his or her duties.
STS Problem #4
Radiation Leak
GIVE TO: GNC Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the Shuttle crew that you have detected a radiation leak
somewhere in the orbiter. Tell them they have 3 MINUTES to find the radiation leak
(yellow clay). Be sure to note the time to monitor the next three minutes or use a separate
timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS: If they find the radiation leak in three minutes or less, tell them
all sensors are clear and they can continue with their mission.
If they do NOT find the radiation leak in three minutes or less, randomly choose a
crew member and inform them that the crew member has been exposed to the radiation and
must lie down for the rest of the mission. Also tell them that they have another 3 minutes
to find the leak before another member will grow ill. (Note the time again.) After the
three minutes are up, choose another member of the crew randomly and repeat the
procedure. Do this until they have either found the leak or all crew members are ill. If
entire crew falls ill, you can contact the ISS and inform them of the situation. They can
either remove all the sick crew members or try to find the leak themselves. If they choose
to remove the crew members, they must be moved wearing the protective gear of the EVAs.
If they choose to find the leak, the same rules apply to them, 3 minutes to find it per
person looking.
If both crews fail to find the leak, the mission is over and is deemed a failure.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
STS Problem #5
Fire
GIVE TO: GNC Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the Shuttle crew that you have detected a fire somewhere in the
orbiter. Tell them they have 3 MINUTES to find the radiation leak (red clay). Be sure to
note the time to monitor the next three minutes or use a separate timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS:
If they find the fire in three minutes or less, tell them all
sensors are clear and they can continue with their mission.
If they do NOT find the fire in three minutes or less,
randomly choose a crew member and inform them that the crew member has lost
consciousness due to smoke inhalation and must lie down until the fire is found. Also tell
them that they have another 3 minutes to find the fire before another member will pass
out. (Note the time again.) After the three minutes are up, choose another member of the
crew randomly and repeat the procedure. Do this until they have either found the fire or
all crew members have passed out. If entire crew passes out, you can contact the ISS and
inform them of the situation. They can either remove all the unconscious crew members or
try to find the fire themselves. If they choose to remove the crew members, they must be
moved wearing the protective gear of the EVAs. If they choose to find the fire, the same
rules apply to them, 3 minutes to find it per person looking.
Once the fire is found, inform the crew that any members who have passed out
should regain consciousness in 2 minutes. Note time and tell them, after two minutes have
passed, that their crew members have regained consciousness and may resume their duties.
If both crews fail to find the fire, the mission is over and is deemed a failure.
ISS Problem #2
Loss of Cabin Pressure
GIVE TO: ISS Chaperone
WHAT TO DO: Shut off power strip to fan blowing up the ISS (only if you
have built the ISS framework) or turn down the speed of the fan.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: The ISS Commander should inform Mission Control
of the malfunction. The FD should suggest checking the power supply to fan.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
ISS Problem #3
Space Virus
GIVE TO: EVA Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the ISS crew that one of the EVA crew members
must have brought a Space Virus into the Shuttle Orbiter when they
returned. Tell them they have 3 MINUTES to find the virus (blue clay). Be
sure to note the time to monitor the next three minutes or use a separate
timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS: If they find the virus in three minutes or less, tell them all
sensors are clear and they can continue with their mission.
If they do NOT find the virus in three minutes or less, randomly choose a crew
member and inform the ISS crew that the crew member has grown ill and must lie down for
next 5 minutes. (Note the time again.) After the five minutes are up, tell them that the
crew member’s vital signs seem better and he or she can resume his or her duties.
ISS Problem #4
Radiation Leak
GIVE TO: GNC Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the ISS crew that you have detected a radiation leak somewhere
in the orbiter. Tell them they have 3 MINUTES to find the radiation leak (yellow clay). Be
sure to note the time to monitor the next three minutes or use a separate timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS: If they find the radiation leak in three minutes or less, tell them
all sensors are clear and they can continue with their mission.
If they do NOT find the radiation leak in three minutes or less, randomly choose a
crew member and inform them that the crew member has been exposed to the radiation and
must lie down for the rest of the mission. Also tell them that they have another 3 minutes
to find the leak before another member will grow ill. (Note the time again.) After the
three minutes are up, choose another member of the crew randomly and repeat the
procedure. Do this until they have either found the leak or all crew members are ill. If
entire crew falls ill, you can contact the Shuttle and inform them of the situation. They can
either remove all the sick crew members or try to find the leak themselves. If they choose
to remove the crew members, they must be moved wearing the protective gear of the EVAs.
If they choose to find the leak, the same rules apply to them, 3 minutes to find it per
person looking.
If both crews fail to find the leak, the mission is over and is deemed a failure.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
ISS Problem #5
Fire
GIVE TO: GNC Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the ISS crew that you have detected a fire somewhere in the
orbiter. Tell them they have 3 MINUTES to find the radiation leak (red clay). Be sure to
note the time to monitor the next three minutes or use a separate timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS:
If they find the fire in three minutes or less, tell them all
sensors are clear and they can continue with their mission.
If they do NOT find the fire in three minutes or less,
randomly choose a crew member and inform them that the crew member has lost
consciousness due to smoke inhalation and must lie down until the fire is found. Also tell
them that they have another 3 minutes to find the fire before another member will pass
out. (Note the time again.) After the three minutes are up, choose another member of the
crew randomly and repeat the procedure. Do this until they have either found the fire or
all crew members have passed out. If entire crew passes out, you can contact the Shuttle
and inform them of the situation. They can either remove all the unconscious crew members
or try to find the fire themselves. If they choose to remove the crew members, they must
be moved wearing the protective gear of the EVAs. If they choose to find the fire, the
same rules apply to them, 3 minutes to find it per person looking.
Once the fire is found, inform the crew that any members who have passed out
should regain consciousness in 2 minutes. Note time and tell them, after two minutes have
passed, that their crew members have regained consciousness and may resume their duties.
If both crews fail to find the fire, the mission is over and is deemed a failure.
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From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Problem Cards
ISS Problem #6
Meteor Shower
GIVE TO: GNC Officer
WHAT TO DO: Inform the ISS crew that you are detecting a meteor
shower. They have 30 seconds to find protection and must stay there until
you notify them that it is clear. Wait 30 seconds. Check to see if they are
under cover. Be sure to note the time to monitor the next minute or use a
separate timer.
POSSIBLE RESULTS: After one minute…
If they all found protection, tell them all sensors are clear.
If anyone did not find protection, tell whoever did not find protection
that he or she has been injured and must lie down until the end of the
mission.
ISS Problem #7
Oxygen is Low
GIVE TO: FAO
Inform the ISS crew that you are detecting unusually high
concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in their air. They should send the EVAs to the
Shuttle to exchange used O2 canisters for fresh ones. They have 6 minutes to do this. Be
sure to note the time to monitor the next six minutes or use a separate timer.
WHAT TO DO:
POSSIBLE RESULTS: The EVAs should immediately jump into action. At 3 minutes,
inform ISS crew members that the scientists have passed out. At 6 minutes, inform the
Commander that he/she has passed out.
Inform the Shuttle of the situation at this point. If the ISS EVAs are there or are
still on their way there, tell them that they have 6 minutes to return to the ISS with the
new O2 canisters before irreversible harm will occur to the ISS crew. If the ISS EVAs
have already left, don’t worry about it. Be sure to note the time to monitor the next six
minutes or use a separate timer.
If the ISS EVAs return in less than the new six minutes, the crew will revive in 2
minutes. If they return in over 6 minutes, the Commander will revive but the Scientists
both die.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 63 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Expansions/Extensions
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 64 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Expansions/Extensions
Expansions/Extensions
I know that everyone’s situation is different. Grade level, class size, space available,
funding, and technology available all can change this project. I use it with a fifth-grade class
of gifted students. My class size is usually no more than 12 students. I have lots of
technology that I can incorporate, plus a nice budget to work with. Here are some ways to
expand or extend this unit.
Mission Patch Lesson
( Students can research several different patches. They can share their findings
in a Power Point presentation.
( Students can design their patches using only a computer.
( Students can follow one astronaut’s career and research all of his or her
mission patches.
( Students can research one NASA program and the patches associated with it.
Mock Mission
( Students can research his or her role before taking them on.
( Students can try to recreate a real NASA mission by researching and writing
their own scripts.
( Students can build the mock shuttle themselves. (This is a great extension.
Tons of great math concepts can be introduced or practiced doing this.)
( Students can write the budget needed to build the mock shuttle.
( Students can design and build their own control panels.
( Students can videotape the mock mission and produce their own movie of it.
( The activity can be done at two entirely different locations, using
teleconferencing equipment to link the two sites.
( The whole mission can be split among classes. One class can “train” to be the
astronauts/mission specialists by doing research. Another class can “train” to
be mission control. A third class can be responsible for building the mock
shuttle, while another builds the mock ISS. A fifth class can be responsible for
organizing and overseeing the whole project.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 65 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Troubleshooting and Internet Links
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 66 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Troubleshooting/Internet Links
Troubleshooting
With every new lesson we try, we always come across problems. Below are some
issues I have run across when trying to implement this lesson.
( If you do not have any budget to work with, try splitting the cost
among all of your students or see if you can get the materials
donated. Also, some small grants are available for projects such as
this.
( If there is no link to your current curriculum for this activity, do this
lesson as a “Space Club” after school. It is also good as a one or
two-week summer camp.
( If you just don’t have enough space in your building, do the mission
between two buildings. Set up Mission Control in one building and
the mock Shuttle and ISS in another. Teleconferencing equipment
is necessary, and you can use cell phones to communicate orally.
( If you teach a specialized class with less than ten students, you can
still do the mission. Ask parents to join you as Mission Control.
You will be amazed at the anxiety they feel when they are
responsible for the success of the mission.
( Problems setting up? Refer to pages 55 and 56 set-up help.
Internet Links
The following links can be used during the mission at Mission Control or as resources.
Also, I check all of the websites I share before printing up my handouts. Sometimes, a site
can disappear without warning. Please notify me if you learn that one of these sites is no
longer functioning. Thanks!
www.weather.com - Mission Control can monitor weather conditions at launch and landing sites.
http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime/ - This site will show real time tracking of any major spacecrafts orbiting
the Earth.
http://www.nasa.gov - It’s NASA’s site. ‘Nuff said!
http://www.mrgsworld.com - My site with all kinds of stuff on it. You can also join my e-mail group to
discuss applications of this lesson or any other educational things.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 67 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Acknowledgments
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo
For more info visit www.mrgsworld.com
- 68 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
We are all just a sum of our experiences. Most of this project was initially given to me
at a U.S. Space Camp experience for teachers funded by Boeing. But everyone listed here
has helped shape this project to what you are holding in your hand.
( Julie Ferriss and Dan Oates from U.S. Space & Rocket
Center’s Education Staff for the original ideas that
became this project.
( Sandy Maxwell from West Chester School District in
Pennsylvania for my first bubble plan and the inspiration
to always do the most difficult lessons I can find.
( John Steczak, Susan Howe, and Terry Haskell from
Rose Tree Media School District in Pennsylvania for
being a great team to work with and tolerating my
complex ideas.
( Mary Ellen Goldfarb, my principal, for encouraging me to
implement my ideas and letting me make messes in our
building.
( Kathy Cook, library technician extraordinaire, for making
sure I always dot my i’s and cross my t’s.
( NASA, for supplying teachers with tons of free resources.
( Boeing, for sending me to space camp… twice!
( Christina McCarthy, my sister, for always pushing me to
reach further.
Edited and Compiled by Anthony Grisillo, Plan Inspired by US Space Academy
www.mrgsworld.com
- 69 -
From Lift Off to Landing – A Simulated NASA Mission
Evaluation and Prize Drawing
Evaluation Form
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