Operation Comet

THE PROGRAM

After several previous failed attempts, the crew is tasked with a mission to observe, research, and analyze long-period comets that have entered our solar system.

Astronauts in both Mission Control and Spacecraft conduct experiments to study comets to help scientists better understand how they are formed and how they could potentially impact Earth.

During the mission, however, a shocking discovery is made, and the crew must brainstorm together to solve the emergency, ensuring the safety of the crew and the success of the mission.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

SUGGESTED GRADE

5 & 6

MAJOR STEM CONCEPTS

Geologic materials property tests.

Analyzing the carrying capacity of the robotic arm.

Completing the engineering design process to design and launch an ROV.

HANDS-ON LABS

Conduct scratch tests to determine the physical properties of rocks and minerals.

Use the robotic arm to conduct a capacity test.

Use a digital microscope to analyze microorganism samples potentially found on the Spacecraft.

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: Serve as the communications leader of the mission & track the path of the Spacecraft to ensure a safe mission.

Branches of Study: Communications, Systems Engineering, Space Security and Safety.

Career Connections: Communications Engineer, Satellite Engineer, Systems Technician, Space Weather and Debris Analyst.

NAVIGATION

Objectives: Analyze the Spacecraft’s trajectory, perform mathematical calculations needed during the flight, and make adjustments to the orbital path during the mission.

Branches of Study: Aviation, Aerospace Studies and Operations.

Career Connections: Pilot, Aerospace Engineer, Air Traffic Controller.

ROVER

Objectives: Design, build, and assemble an ROV investigate long-period comets.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Network Support, Information Technology, Communications Technician.

Career Connections: Computer Scientist, Mechanical Engineer, Structural Engineer.

WEATHER

Objectives: Use specialized telescopes to identify and analyze long-period comets, and track potential space weather events.

Branches of Study: Environmental Sciences, Astronomy, Meteorology, Space Weather, Space Security and Safety.

Career Connections: Meteorologist, Astronomer, Space Weather Analyst, Astrophysicist.

MEDICAL

Objectives: Conduct health assessments to ensure the health and safety of the crew in the Spacecraft.

Branches of Study: Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Mental Health.

Career Connections: Emergency Medical Technician, Nurse/Doctor, Mental Health Counselor, Physical Therapist, Space Medical Practitioner.

BIOLOGY

Objectives: Conduct experiments to investigate microorganisms in space, and analyze the impact of space radiation and bone density loss on the crew.

Branches of Study: Environmental Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology.

Career Connections: Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Microbiologist, Lab Technician.

ROBOTICS

Objectives: Conduct experiments to determine the carrying capacity of robotic arm & use the engineering design process to prototype a new robotic arm for future missions.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Computer Programming.

Career Connections: Robotics Engineer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Computer Programmer, Computational Engineer.

LIFE SYSTEMS

Objectives: Conduct experiments and troubleshoot the systems on the Spacecraft to ensure the environment is safe for the crew during the flight.

Branches of Study: Engineering, Environmental Health and Safety, Mechanical Engineering.

Career Connections: Environmental Engineer, Chemist, Systems Technician, Mechanical Engineering.

GEOLOGY

Objectives: Conduct experiments to determine the physical features of comet materials found during the flight.

Branches of Study: Physical Sciences, Geology, Environmental Sciences.

Career Connections: Geologist, Engineer, Mineralogist, Environmental Geologist.