Robotic Space Exploration

Robotic Exploration of our Solar System: Flybys, Orbiters, Landers, Rovers, Penetrators & Satellites

Created by: Tony Ceraso
Astronomy

What Will I Learn?

• We are inspired by human space exploration, but these space robots can go places humans could never go – and for longer periods of time. Much of the exploration we’ve accomplished in the solar system is because of our ability to make robots and send them to explore. They travel as speeds humans could not endure, they don’t need water, heat or food and they don’t need to be entertained - they just work. Explore the many different kinds of robot emissaries we’ve sent into the solar system and what unexpected discoveries they’ve made for us.
• Definition and characteristics of robotic exploring
• Robots in society and popular culture
• Advantages and disadvantages of space exploration using robotic craft
• Comparing and contrasting human and robotic spacecraft and exploration
• The dangers and challenges of manned space flight
• Why we explore
• Current robotic missions throughout the Solar System
• Types of robotic missions and their applications in the Solar System: Multistage rockets The space shuttle
• Flyby Robots: Fuel savings, Chinese Moon observations, Studying comets
• Orbiting Robots: Long-term observations of Mars, including the Reconnaissance Orbiter, Deceleration using air breaking and the first law of motion, Long-term power from the Sun and power storage, Communicating over large distances, Cassini orbiter around Saturn
• Robotic Landers: Landing techniques and challenges using rockets, airbags and parachutes, Early Venus landings by the Soviet’s Venera, Venus Express, Early Moon landers: Luna and Ranger, Landing on a comet: the Philae lander
• Robot Rovers: Entry, decent and landing, Landers delivering rovers, Sojourner and Opportunity rovers on Mars, Distance limits, self-maintenance, energy and communication techniques, Escaping from the landers after delivery
• Robotic Penetrators: Penetrator form and function, Moon penetrator LCROSS looking for water, Martian penetrators
• Robotic Observatories: Earth and Sun orbiting craft, including the Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer, Advantages and disadvantages of observatories orbiting the Sun and Earth
• Robotic Communication Crafts: Primary functions, Deep-space communication systems and Solar System exploration
• Robotic Atmospheric Crafts: Function of atmospheric crafts, Atmospheric studies done on Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn’s moon Titan, Detailed explanation of Huygens probe on Titan, Multiple-category crafts and Terrestrial planets
• Robotically Exploring Mercury: Brief description of Mercury History and of crafts to Mercury, including Mariner series Current crafts, studying the planet, Future missions to Mercury, including BepiColombo
• Robotically Exploring Venus: Brief description of Venus' History of crafts to Venus, including Venera and Mariner series, Future missions to Venus
• Robotically Exploring Mars: A Brief description of Mars' History of crafts to Mars, Communication delays with robots on Mars, Current crafts studying the planet and their durations, Future missions to Mars, Space travel using the “Gravity Assist” method – description of the physics and practical application, Crafts leaving the Solar System: Voyager and Pioneer series
• Test Questions and Answers
• Cross-Curricular Activities

Requirements

• None

Target audience

• Anyone who loves astronomy and wants to understand Robotic Space Exploration better