Space Science

Designing and Engineering Rockets
Building a space launch vehicle is a complex engineering task. Over a million parts must come together and work perfectly under extremely severe conditions. How do you go about building something like this? Examine NASAs Ares Projects.
Running time 07:45 minutes
Running time 07:45 minutes

Flying on Mars
To fly around on the surface of Mars, an aircraft would need to travel at speeds of over 250 MPH just to stay aloft in the very thin atmosphere. Take off and landing on the rocky terrain to gather samples would be nearly impossible. What is the solution?
Running time 02:36 minutes
Running time 02:36 minutes

Powering the Planet - The Space Solar Power Concept
The idea of solar power from space touches on science, technology, engineering, math, energy, the environment, and more. Pose this concept to students to stimulate critical thinking about these issues and get them involved in the conversation.
Running time 19:00 minutes
Running time 19:00 minutes

Reliable Robots
When it comes to designing robots for space, making sure that they can complete their missions is the name of the game for NASA’s robotics engineers. That requires math, especially probability.
Running time 05:30 minutes
Running time 05:30 minutes

Revisiting the Moon
Evidence suggests there may be deposits of ice within craters at the poles of the moon. If this proves to be the case, Planetary Scientist Dr. Paul Spudis says it could possibly be “the most valuable piece of real estate in the solar system.” Find out why
Running time 06:16 minutes
Running time 06:16 minutes

Rockets and Materials Science
Let engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center introduce your students to fascinating concepts in materials science, the importance of alloys, low temperature welding using friction, strength to weight ratio and much more.
[The Ares rockets were
Running time 09:33 minutes
Running time 09:33 minutes

Second Skin Capability
MIT Professor Dava Newman is working on a new “second skin” space suit that could end the “bunny hop” once and for all. Introduce your students to a woman whose work could dramatically improve space exploration technology.
Running time 04:45 minutes
Running time 04:45 minutes

Spaceports
Whether you’re talking about privately owned and operated rockets to ferry cargo to low earth orbit, or the customers already in line for the opportunity to weightlessly gaze upon Earth from outer space, the “personal space flight revolution” will bring a
Running time 11:56 minutes
Running time 11:56 minutes

Testing Rockets
Go on location with five engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for a real-world look at the science, technology, engineering and mathematics behind rocket testing.
[The Ares rockets were part of NASA's Constellation Program which ended in 20
Running time 08:45 minutes
Running time 08:45 minutes

The Space Sling
It's been described as "using the techniques of Tarzan" to move things through outer space. It's reusable and would dramatically reduce the cost of space missions.
Running time 05:27 minutes
Running time 05:27 minutes

The Starshade
Is there life on planets in other star systems? It's a very old question. But finding the answer may get simpler with a new invention by astrophysicist, professor and inventor Webster Cash.
Running time 05:55 minutes
Running time 05:55 minutes

Food in Space
A 1000-day mission and six crew members, each needing four pounds of nutritious and tasty food per day. Variety is a must. That's what Dr. Michele Perchonok and other food science specialists and dieticians at NASA's Johnson Space Center are up against.
Running time 05:32 minutes
Running time 05:32 minutes

The Orion Space Capsule
NASA Aerospace and Industrial Engineer Robert Howard takes viewers inside the Habitability Design Center at Johnson Space Center for a look at the Orion space capsule--and the math, and engineering skills his fascinating career demands.
Running time 06:21 minutes
Running time 06:21 minutes

Science on Mars, Part 1
In 2011 NASA launched its most ambitious mission to Mars that landed a car-sized rover on the red planet. The rover, named Curiosity, has a greater range than any rover before and carries an impressive array of science instruments.
Running time 04:54 minutes
Running time 04:54 minutes

Science on Mars, Part 2
One of the most vital and rewarding engineering disciplines is also the least understood. Show your students what it means to be a Systems Engineer with Part 2 of our video series about the Mars Science Laboratory.
Running time 05:56 minutes
Running time 05:56 minutes

Space Architecture
Building places to live and work in extreme environments takes architects that understand how to play by a different set of rules. Take your students to meet architects that are tackling the challenges. This is all about problem solving in outer space.
Running time 04:58 minutes
Running time 04:58 minutes

The Surface of Mars
Currently the worldwide collection of Mars rocks totals exactly 37. They've come to us over the eons as meteorites. Molly McCanta’s job is to better understand the geological history of the red planet with only 37 samples to work from.
Running time 05:19 minutes
Running time 05:19 minutes

Space Weather
With solar flares 200,000 miles across releasing the equivalent of all the energy ever produced on the Earth at one time, space weather forecasters will become an important feature on the future news. Featured: Joe Hirmann & Joann Joselyn.
Running time 2:02 minutes
Running time 2:02 minutes