Unit E Lesson 11: Useful Space Technologies Back on Earth
Completion requirements
Unit E Lesson 11: Useful Space Technologies Back on Earth
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Learning Targets |
Big Question: What space technologies have benefits on Earth?
The amazing technologies that are used in our pursuit of living and working in space often have additional uses back here on Earth.
The amazing technologies that are used in our pursuit of living and working in space often have additional uses back here on Earth.
At the end of this inquiry, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- What are some space technologies that are now used on Earth?
- What is a satellite?
- What are various functions of satellites?
- What is the purpose of placing a satellite into geosynchronous orbit versus low orbit?
- What does the term GPS mean?
- What is the purpose of GPS?
- What does GPS rely on?
Pages 431 and 432 in your textbook will help you answer these questions.
Introduction
Why go into space when there are so many issues on Earth?
Some people disagree with the space program, arguing that it is expensive and that the time and resources would be better used to solve more important problems on Earth. The graph in Figure 1 shows the history of US government investment in NASA.
Since the Apollo program ended in 1972, NASA has been given only 1% of the yearly budget of the United States government. However, this 1% is still billions of dollars.
In future lessons, you will be asked to decide if the space program should continue or if those dollars would be better spent somewhere else. This lesson describes some of the technologies that are used every day on Earth that have been made possible by space exploration and research.
Do these technologies benefit our world? Does their usefulness justify the cost of continuing space programs?
Some people disagree with the space program, arguing that it is expensive and that the time and resources would be better used to solve more important problems on Earth. The graph in Figure 1 shows the history of US government investment in NASA.
Since the Apollo program ended in 1972, NASA has been given only 1% of the yearly budget of the United States government. However, this 1% is still billions of dollars.
In future lessons, you will be asked to decide if the space program should continue or if those dollars would be better spent somewhere else. This lesson describes some of the technologies that are used every day on Earth that have been made possible by space exploration and research.
Do these technologies benefit our world? Does their usefulness justify the cost of continuing space programs?
Figure 1– NASA budget over past 50 years.
Try It!
Practice Worksheet: Space Technology on Earth
- DOWNLOAD this practice worksheet (S9_UE_S3_L11_spacetech). If you prefer to use a Google Drive or PDF version of the worksheet, click here.
- As you read your textbook and additional resources and watch the videos in this lesson, record the technologies
that have applications in the following areas: medical, computers and electronics, remote imaging, and public safety. Write examples on the worksheet of the ways that space technology is used on Earth in the various categories.
- When you are satisfied with your responses you can check your work by clicking on the "SUGGESTED ANSWERS" button below.
Wait! Don't view the suggested answers first. This practice work is not for marks, it is meant to help you check your understanding. Check the answers AFTER doing the questions! Keep the practice worksheet for study purposes. If you don't understand something, contact your teacher!
Figure 2 – What will the future hold for space technology?
Watch
The following video describes NASA's "spinoffs" which identify how we all benefit from space exploration.
The following NASA video interviews people around the world who have benefited from space technology that has now found a use on Earth.
The Types of Satellites and the Work They Do
A natural satellite is a smaller object that orbits a large object, such as a moon orbiting a planet. However, it is more common now for satellite to refer to the spacecraft placed in space by humans.
These artificial satellites orbit Earth, receiving and sending signals that help humans to communicate, observe, research, and navigate.
There are many uses for satellites: communications, television, Internet service, GPS, weather tracking, weather prediction, mapping of remote areas, imaging, astronomical observation, navigation, reconnaissance, Earth observation, space stations, manned spacecraft... and probably more. For a full list of satellite types, visit this page.
Read pages 427 to 429 in the Science in Action 9 textbook for more information on satellites.
A natural satellite is a smaller object that orbits a large object, such as a moon orbiting a planet. However, it is more common now for satellite to refer to the spacecraft placed in space by humans.
These artificial satellites orbit Earth, receiving and sending signals that help humans to communicate, observe, research, and navigate.
There are many uses for satellites: communications, television, Internet service, GPS, weather tracking, weather prediction, mapping of remote areas, imaging, astronomical observation, navigation, reconnaissance, Earth observation, space stations, manned spacecraft... and probably more. For a full list of satellite types, visit this page.
Read pages 427 to 429 in the Science in Action 9 textbook for more information on satellites.
Figure 3 – There are many different types of satellites in Earth's orbit.
Satellite Communication
Because satellites are placed in space, they can observe a wide area. The further from Earth a satellite is placed, the larger the area of Earth it can "see" at any one moment. However, there are drawbacks to putting a satellite out further from Earth. Higher altitude satellites, being further away, take longer to communicate with Earth, and more importantly, if they are observation satellites they cannot see as much detail as a satellite that is closer to Earth.
Satellites signals travel in straight lines, so that must be taken into account – two or more satellites may be necessary to relay signals when global communication or observation is necessary.
Satellites are classified based on their altitiude:
Because satellites are placed in space, they can observe a wide area. The further from Earth a satellite is placed, the larger the area of Earth it can "see" at any one moment. However, there are drawbacks to putting a satellite out further from Earth. Higher altitude satellites, being further away, take longer to communicate with Earth, and more importantly, if they are observation satellites they cannot see as much detail as a satellite that is closer to Earth.
Satellites signals travel in straight lines, so that must be taken into account – two or more satellites may be necessary to relay signals when global communication or observation is necessary.
Satellites are classified based on their altitiude:
- Low-Earth orbits (LEO) – 180 km to 2 000 km above Earth. LEO satellites are ideal for observations, for military purposes, and for collecting weather data.
- Medium-Earth orbits (MEO) – 2 000 km to 36 000 km above Earth. MEO satellites are ideal for navigation satellites, such as those that are used for the Global Positioning System (GPS).
- Geosynchronous orbits (GEO) – altitudes greater than 36 000 km. GEO satellites move at the same speed of rotation as Earth and are, therefore, always positioned over the same spot on Earth. GEO satellites are used for communications, weather, and television satellites. Many GEO satellites are positioned in the band along the equator, which has made this region of space especially congested.
Figure 4 – Satellites need to communicate with stations on Earth.
Interactive
Satellites
Click here to watch the BrainPOP video " Satellites".
You will need a username and password to access the video.
Click here to watch the BrainPOP video " Satellites".
You will need a username and password to access the video.
- Username: 0099
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Password: students
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become a common feature of many electronic devices. Cellphones and home computers use GPS as do many cars and boats. The original GPS had 24 satellites in orbit around Earth, but over time, more have been added. Your GPS receiver can be in contact with several satellites at the same time. By using three of those satellites, your GPS receiver can triangulate your position on Earth.
Read page 430 in the Science in Action 9 textbook for more information on the Global Positioning System, and also check out this article.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) has become a common feature of many electronic devices. Cellphones and home computers use GPS as do many cars and boats. The original GPS had 24 satellites in orbit around Earth, but over time, more have been added. Your GPS receiver can be in contact with several satellites at the same time. By using three of those satellites, your GPS receiver can triangulate your position on Earth.
Read page 430 in the Science in Action 9 textbook for more information on the Global Positioning System, and also check out this article.
Figure 5 – A representation of the global positioning system (GPS).
Watch
GPS – How It Works
Watch the following video for more information on how the Global Positioning System works.
Watch the following video for more information on how the Global Positioning System works.