Crew 130 Mission Goals:
Science:
Water evaporation project:
Determine if a 3D printed container will work in a water evaporator i.e. be able to hold accumulated water and withstand temperatures without deforming or contaminating water (will test ph balance).
Identification of local rocks and minerals:
Determine the availability and location of different rocks and minerals and general geology of the surrounding environment. Take samples with recorded GPS locations then try to identify material based on physical appearance, hardness, density. Knowing what is nearby would allow for later collection of necessary materials for building things or chemical reactions.
Comet and other astronomical observations:
Record notes and photographic observations of astronomical events to try to observe things on "Mars" that have not previously been able to be observed on Earth to broaden knowledge of the universe.
Engineering:
Weather Balloon Drop Test:
(a) verify the basic GPS-reading and data-recording functionality of the electronics and software of a autonomous robot.
(b) compare the performance of two different parachutes.
Wind Power Verification:
(a) Determine the feasibility of using wind power as a supplement power source.
Terrain Scouting Mission:
(a) Take aerial and surface images of terrain and record GPS coordinates to determine best location for future Geology EVAs.
Educational Outreach:
Bob Jone's High School:
Bob Jones High School will be acting as our repair crew. Students in Mr.Raper's Advanced Engineering Design class will be submitting CAD files for parts which crew 130 will print out using a 3d printer. The students will also be submitting mini wind turbine designs which the crew will print out and test.
NASA INSPIRE:
We will be conducting student planned experiment procedures submitted to our crew by the NASA INSPIRE Online Learning Community. The goals of these student run experiments include:
(a) Testing wheel tread performance for mars rover design.
(b) Calculating Saturn's mass
(c) Simulating EVA malfunctions and failures in order to plan proper procedures for different EVA situations that may occur.
Middle School Outreach:
We will send a mission update presentation to Mrs. Sills's Middle School Science class and open a brief Q and A session.