Earth Odyssey

THE PROGRAM

A satellite that has previously been collecting data about Earth is malfunctioning. Using the robotic arm, the crew captures the satellite, downloads the data, and identifies new information to analyze, test, and explore for this mission.

Crews in Spacecraft and Mission Control work to build new technologies for a satellite that will be launched at the end of the mission. These satellite probes will collect data on Earth processes and events taking place on our planet due to the changing climate. The crews will monitor and communicate real-time events occurring on Earth, which becomes critical when an emergency arises and they must work together to overcome an impactful weather event.

In the final moments of the mission, the crews will launch their new satellite to collect data for upcoming years. This launch is critical to scientists as they continue to study the dramatic impact that our changing climate is having on Earth. It is up to our crew members to make this mission a complete success.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

SUGGESTED GRADE

7 & 8

MAJOR STEM CONCEPTS

Understand and analyze how severe weather events impact Earth’s processes and climate.

Analyze environmental data, including ecosystems and geological events to better understand how our planet is changing.

Troubleshoot and solve problems using the engineering design process.

HANDS-ON LABS

DNA extraction lab using wheat germ.

Hydroponics lab experimentation.

Robotic arm criteria testing.

Our software program includes numerous accessibility features for students, including text read aloud and font resizing.

TEAMS

One member of each team will be in Mission Control for the first half of the mission while the other is assigned to the Spacecraft. At the midpoint of the experience, the group in Mission Control launches to the Spacecraft and the Spacecraft group returns to work in Mission Control.

COMMUNICATIONS

Objectives: Collaborate with all mission teams to lead and communicate critical messages during the mission, and lead communications with the general public to conduct press releases and Spacecraft downlink sessions.

Branches of Study: Communications, Public Relations.

Career Connections: Spacecraft Flight Director, Communications Liaisons.

NAVIGATION

Objectives: Lead the mission to develop and monitor the orbital path and trajectory of the Spacecraft.

Branches of Study: Aerospace Engineering.

Career Connections: Aerospace Engineer, Pilot, Satellite Engineer.

ROVER

Objectives: Collaborate with all mission teams to build and launch a new satellite.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Robotics, Satellite Management.

Career Connections: Robotics Engineer, Satellite Engineer.

WEATHER

Objectives: Conduct experiments and analysis on severe weather events occurring on Earth and explore pollution levels and atmospheric changes.

Branches of Study: Meteorology, Space Weather.

Career Connections: Meteorologist, Environmental Scientist.

MEDICAL

Objectives: Conduct medical assessments on the crew to ensure their health and safety.

Branches of Study: Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Biology.

Career Connections: EMT, Medical Professional, Mental Health Counselor, Physical Therapist.

BIOLOGY

Objectives: Conduct experiments and analysis on biological processes occurring in ecosystems on Earth, and analyze how plants grow during space travel.

Branches of Study: Hydroponics, Oceanography, Genetics, Biology.

Career Connections: Botanist, Biomedical Engineer, Geneticist, Biologist.

ROBOTICS

Objectives: Collaborate with all mission teams to debug satellite software codes, code probes for the new satellite, and train and utilize the robotic arm on the Spacecraft to complete tasks.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Robotics, Software Engineering and Design.

Career Connections: Robotics Engineer, Software Developer.

LIFE SYSTEMS

Objectives: Build and monitor the life support systems on the Spacecraft, including air pressure, oxygen, water supply, and temperature.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Maintenance Engineering and Support, Troubleshooting and Designing Support Systems.

Career Connections: Systems Engineer, Mechanical Engineer .

GEOLOGY

Objectives: Conduct experiments and analysis on geological processes occurring on Earth.

Branches of Study: Geology, Environmental Sciences.

Career Connections: Geologist, Environmental Engineer.