http://www.ck12.org Chapter 2. Scientific Research and Technology
CHAPTER
2 Scientific Research and Technology
Chapter Outline
2.1 Scientific Investigation
2.2 SCIENCESKILLS
2.3 TECHNOLOGY
2.4 REFERENCES
In 1999, NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter, pictured here, burned up as it passed through Mars’ atmosphere. The
satellite was programmed to orbit Mars at high altitude and gather climate data. Instead, the Orbiter flew too low
and was lost almost as soon as it reached the red planet. What happened to the Orbiter? The answer is human error.
The flight system software on the Orbiter was written using scientific units of measurement. The ground crew was
entering data using the common English system of units.
The example of the Mars Climate Orbiter shows the importance of using a standard system of measurement in
science and technology. Measurement is just one of the basic skills needed in these fields. What other skills are
needed? In this chapter, you’ll find out.
Image courtesy o f NASA.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mars_Climate_Orbiter_2.jpg.Public Domain.