Cosmic Cleanup Crew: Space Junk Mission Design
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as a global team of scientists and engineers, design a sustainable and innovative mission to mitigate the environmental and economic impacts of space junk on orbiting satellites, considering the technological challenges and the need for international collaboration?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does space junk affect orbiting satellites and other spacecraft?
- What are the different types of space junk and their sources?
- What technologies can be used to detect, track, and remove space junk?
- What are the challenges and limitations of current space junk removal methods?
- What are the potential environmental and economic impacts of space junk?
- How can international collaboration help address the space junk problem?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Design a space mission to remove space junk.
- Understand the impact of space junk on orbiting satellites.
- Explore technologies for detecting and removing space junk.
- Consider the environmental and economic impacts of space junk.
- Foster international collaboration in addressing space junk.
NGSS
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Missing Satellite Signal
A local news report details the mysterious loss of signal from a communication satellite. Students investigate potential causes, quickly discovering the growing problem of space junk and its potential to disrupt vital satellite services, sparking their mission to design a cleanup solution.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Orbital Debris Detective
Students research the types, sources, and dangers of space junk to understand the scope of the problem.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report detailing the types, sources, and hazards of space junk.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of understanding the impact of space junk on orbiting satellites, aligning with MS-ESS1-1 by providing context on the orbital environment.Technology Brainstorm
Students brainstorm and research various technologies that could be used to detect, track, and remove space junk.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed proposal outlining the technologies to be used in the space junk removal mission, including justifications for their selection.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers the learning goal of exploring technologies for detecting and removing space junk, indirectly relating to MS-ESS1-1 by requiring an understanding of orbital mechanics to assess the feasibility of different technologies.Mission Blueprint
Students design a detailed mission plan, including objectives, timeline, resource requirements, and risk assessment.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive mission plan document outlining the objectives, timeline, resource requirements, and risk assessment.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of designing a space mission to remove space junk. It relates to MS-ESS1-1 by applying knowledge of orbital mechanics to plan the mission's trajectory and operations.Global Collaboration Simulation
Students role-play as representatives from different countries and organizations to negotiate a collaborative agreement for addressing the space junk problem.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative agreement document outlining the roles and responsibilities of each participating country or organization.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFosters international collaboration in addressing space junk, highlighting the global implications of space activities, which is indirectly related to MS-ESS1-1 through its emphasis on understanding Earth's place in the solar system and human impact on it.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCosmic Cleanup Crew Mission Portfolio Rubric
Understanding Space Junk
Demonstrates comprehension of the types, sources, and hazards of space junk.Types and Sources of Space Junk
Identifies and describes the different types and sources of space junk.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and detailed overview of various types of space junk and their origins, including specific examples and data.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and describes several types of space junk and their sources, demonstrating a good understanding of the topic.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some types of space junk and their sources, but lacks detail or accuracy in certain areas.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or describe the types and sources of space junk, showing limited understanding.
Hazards of Space Junk
Analyzes the potential hazards of space junk to orbiting satellites and spacecraft.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a sophisticated analysis of the potential hazards of space junk, including specific examples, data, and potential consequences.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes the potential hazards of space junk to orbiting satellites and spacecraft, demonstrating a good understanding of the risks involved.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some potential hazards of space junk, but lacks depth or accuracy in the analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify the potential hazards of space junk, showing limited understanding.
Technology and Mission Design
Demonstrates the ability to brainstorm and evaluate technologies for detecting/removing space junk, and to design a comprehensive mission plan.Technology Evaluation
Evaluates the pros and cons of different technologies for detecting and removing space junk.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful evaluation of various technologies, considering effectiveness, cost, environmental impact, and feasibility with supporting evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsEvaluates the pros and cons of different technologies, demonstrating a good understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some pros and cons of different technologies, but lacks depth or accuracy in the evaluation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to evaluate the pros and cons of different technologies, showing limited understanding.
Mission Planning
Develops a detailed mission plan, including objectives, timeline, resource requirements, and risk assessment.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops a comprehensive and well-reasoned mission plan with clear objectives, realistic timeline, detailed resource requirements, and thorough risk assessment with mitigation strategies and clear justifications.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a detailed mission plan, including objectives, timeline, resource requirements, and risk assessment.
Developing
2 PointsIncludes some elements of a mission plan, such as objectives or timeline, but lacks detail or completeness.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to develop a mission plan, showing limited understanding of the necessary components.
International Collaboration
Demonstrates an understanding of international perspectives and the ability to negotiate a collaborative agreement.Understanding Perspectives
Researches and articulates the perspectives and interests of different countries and organizations regarding space junk.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a deep understanding of the diverse perspectives and interests of various countries and organizations, providing nuanced insights into their positions on space junk mitigation and clear evidence of research.
Proficient
3 PointsResearches and articulates the perspectives and interests of different countries and organizations regarding space junk.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some perspectives and interests, but lacks depth or accuracy in the representation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify or articulate the perspectives and interests of different countries and organizations, showing limited understanding.
Negotiation and Agreement
Participates in a simulated negotiation to develop a collaborative agreement for addressing the space junk problem.
Exemplary
4 PointsActively participates in the negotiation, demonstrating excellent communication and collaboration skills, and contributes significantly to a comprehensive and equitable collaborative agreement.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates in a simulated negotiation to develop a collaborative agreement for addressing the space junk problem.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in the negotiation to some extent, but struggles to contribute effectively to the development of a collaborative agreement.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to participate in the negotiation or contribute to the development of a collaborative agreement.