- http://ctd.grc.nasa.gov/rleonard/index.html
- http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gal114/gal114.htm
- http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo_25th.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/
Vocabulary
geostationary orbit A satellite place at just the right distance above Earth to orbit at
the same rate that Earth spins.
low Earth orbit Satellites that orbit relatively close to Earth.
orbit To travel in a circular or elliptical path around another object.
polar orbit A path for a satellite that goes over the North and South Poles, perpendicular
to Earth’s spin.
rocket A device propelled by particles flying out of it at high speed.
satellite An object, either natural or human made, that orbits a larger object.
space probe A spacecraft that is sent without a crew to collect data by flying near or
landing on an object in space.
Space Race A competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to have the
best space technology.
thrust The forward force produced by gases escaping from a rocket engine.
Points to Consider
- TheSpaceRaceandtheUSA’sdesiretogettotheMoonbroughtaboutmanyadvances
in science and technology. - Can you think of any challenges we face today that are, could be, or should be a focus
of science and technology? - If you were in charge of NASA, what new goals would you set for space exploration?