ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel SmarterEveryDay How Does NASA Practice Landing on the Moon? – Smarter Every Day 252
Welcome to an exploration of how NASA prepares for lunar landings. In a previous discussion, we delved into the historical methods used to train Apollo astronauts for landing on the moon. The challenge lies in maneuvering a spacecraft in the moon’s 1/6th gravity compared to Earth’s full gravity. This difference significantly impacts how spacecraft are controlled.
To overcome these challenges, astronauts trained at various facilities, notably the Lunar Lander Research Facility. The most effective training tool was the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV). Neil Armstrong, during his historic descent to the lunar surface, relied on skills honed through the LLTV.
With today’s technology, the question arises: should we still use human-piloted landers, or could robotic test vehicles be more effective? Imagine a system that could simulate lunar gravity on Earth—this would revolutionize training.
Enter the Mighty Eagle program, initiated in the early 2010s. This program used small robotic landers to test algorithms and sensors for lunar missions, following a “crawl, walk, run” strategy.
The first phase involved the Cold Gas Test Article, a lander built in just nine months. Using compressed air, it allowed for over 100 flights, providing valuable insights into vehicle control. The next phase introduced the Mighty Eagle, which used 90% hydrogen peroxide as fuel. This environmentally friendly fuel can be safely diluted with water if spilled.
In 2013, a test of the Mighty Eagle was conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. The vehicle, weighing 450 pounds empty and 700 pounds full, was tethered to prevent it from flying away during tests. The Mighty Eagle was designed to test software and used a mono prop blow-down system with 90% hydrogen peroxide.
To simulate lunar gravity, the Mighty Eagle employed an Earth Gravity Canceling Thruster (EGCT), offsetting five-sixths of its weight. This made the 600-pound vehicle feel like it weighed only 100 pounds during tests. Descent thrusters managed lifting and lowering, while attitude control thrusters handled rotation. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) helped the vehicle sense its movement and orientation.
During a tethered test, the new control system’s performance was evaluated. The test was meticulously coordinated, and the results confirmed the safety of the new software and hardware. This success paved the way for more complex hazard avoidance testing using a low-swap sensor on a custom terrain field.
The Mighty Eagle successfully tested algorithms and sensors for lunar missions, reviving expertise dormant since the 1970s. This work contributes to the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. The Human Landing System (HLS) is a crucial part of this initiative.
Other programs, like Morpheus at Johnson Space Center, also tested different propellants and sensors, sharing the goal of advancing lander technology. Since 2013, collaborative efforts have enhanced lander technologies, supporting the Artemis program.
As we look to the future, a key question arises: should lunar landings rely solely on software, or should astronauts have hands-on experience? While software enhances landing capabilities, human involvement is vital for real-time decision-making.
NASA is exploring new technologies for lunar landers, potentially using drones and propellers. This innovation promises exciting developments in lunar exploration.
Thank you for joining this exploration of lunar landing practices. Stay tuned for more insights into space exploration and technology!
Engage in a virtual reality experience that simulates the lunar landing process. Use VR headsets to navigate a spacecraft in a simulated lunar environment, experiencing the challenges of reduced gravity. This activity will help you understand the complexities of lunar landings and the skills required to maneuver a spacecraft.
Work in teams to design a model lunar lander using basic materials. Your goal is to create a lander that can safely land an egg from a height without breaking it. This hands-on activity will reinforce concepts of vehicle control and landing strategies in a low-gravity environment.
Participate in a structured debate on the merits and drawbacks of human-piloted versus robotic lunar landings. Prepare arguments for both sides, considering factors such as safety, cost, and technological advancements. This will deepen your understanding of the roles humans and robots play in space exploration.
Conduct a case study analysis of the Mighty Eagle program. Examine its objectives, technologies used, and outcomes. Present your findings to the class, highlighting how this program has contributed to modern lunar landing techniques and the Artemis program.
Attend a guest lecture by a space exploration expert. Engage with the speaker by asking questions about the future of lunar exploration, the role of new technologies, and the potential for human settlement on the moon. This will provide you with insights into the evolving landscape of space exploration.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Hey, it’s me, Destin. Welcome back to Smarter Every Day! In a previous episode, we started a deep dive series into how to land on the moon by looking back in history to understand how we trained the Apollo astronauts to pilot the spacecraft down to the lunar surface during the landing mission. We discussed the challenges of maneuvering a spacecraft in the 1/6g environment on the moon compared to the 1g environment on Earth. Although it may not seem significant, this difference in gravitational pull creates various control challenges for the spacecraft.
To adapt to this, astronauts trained at several facilities, including the Lunar Lander Research Facility. Ultimately, the Apollo program pilots stated that their best training method was the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV). So, when Neil Armstrong was descending to land on the lunar surface, he was using an algorithm he developed from flying the LLTV.
That’s interesting, but consider this: if you had to do it all over again today with modern technology, would you still put humans in a lander system like this and have them fly it? Or what if you created a robotic test vehicle that could load different software and practice landing repeatedly? If you had a way to simulate lunar gravity on Earth, that would be a game changer.
I asked that because my colleague Logan, who works at NASA, was involved in a program called the Mighty Eagle. This program, initiated in the early 2010s, used small robotic landers to test algorithms and sensors for lunar missions. There was a “crawl, walk, run” strategy for the Mighty Eagle.
The first phase involved a lander called the Cold Gas Test Article, designed and built in just nine months. It used compressed air for about 10 seconds of flight time, allowing us to conduct over 100 flights to learn how to fly a vehicle. It was very successful.
Once we moved on to the Mighty Eagle, it used 90% hydrogen peroxide as fuel instead of compressed air. This green fuel is safe for the environment, and if spilled, it can be diluted with water and safely disposed of.
Thanks to the magic of YouTube, we can go back in time to 2013 when you invited me to a Mighty Eagle test. We never published this footage, but it features Logan with a fantastic beard and mustache.
The purpose of the test we’re about to watch was to ensure that whenever we changed something on the vehicle, we would start with a tether test. This involved attaching the lander to the ground for a short test. If successful, we would remove the tethers and conduct a free flight.
Let’s go back in time to 2013 and watch a Mighty Eagle test. Logan will explain how we simulate lunar gravity during this test.
This is the Mighty Eagle, a lander test bed where we can load different software and test it before working with real hardware. The test occurs at Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama.
We need to get the vehicle safely to the pad for launch. It weighs about 450 pounds empty and 700 pounds when full. We use a tether system to ensure it doesn’t fly away during the test.
The Mighty Eagle is a robotic test bed designed to test software. It uses a mono prop blow-down system, and the propellant is 90% hydrogen peroxide, which is much stronger than the 3% solution you might have at home.
The vehicle has an Earth Gravity Canceling Thruster (EGCT) that offsets five-sixths of its weight, allowing it to simulate lunar gravity. The vehicle weighs 600 pounds but feels like it weighs only 100 pounds during the test.
We also have descent thrusters for lifting and lowering the vehicle, and attitude control thrusters for rotation. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) helps the vehicle sense its movement and orientation.
Today, we’re going to conduct a tethered test to see how the new control system performs. The countdown and flight preparations are carefully coordinated, and the test is scripted down to every detail.
After the test, we learned that the new software and hardware were safe, allowing us to move on to more complex hazard avoidance testing. This involved using a low-swap sensor to avoid hazards on a custom terrain field we created using volcanic ash.
The Mighty Eagle was successful in testing the algorithms and sensors we would use on a lunar mission. It helped us develop expertise that had been dormant since the 1970s, as we prepare to return to the moon.
There are other programs like Morpheus, which was developed at Johnson Space Center. Morpheus tested different propellants and sensors but shared the same goal of advancing lander technology.
Since 2013, teams have collaborated on various lander technologies, contributing to the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. The Human Landing System (HLS) is a key component of this program.
Now, I want to pose a question: should we rely solely on software to land on the moon, or should we also ensure that astronauts have hands-on experience? While software can enhance landing capabilities, having a human in the loop is crucial for real-time decision-making.
I’m excited about the future of lunar landers and the potential for new technologies. NASA is exploring ways to build a new lunar lander test vehicle, possibly using drones and propellers.
Before we wrap up, I want to mention our sponsor, KiwiCo. They provide subscription boxes with everything needed for engaging projects for kids. If you’re interested, you can check them out at kiwico.com/smarter50 for a discount.
Thank you for watching Smarter Every Day! I appreciate everyone who supports the channel on Patreon. Stay tuned for more exciting content!
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This version removes any informal language, personal anecdotes, or potentially sensitive information while maintaining the core content and structure of the original transcript.
NASA – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, responsible for the nation’s civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. – NASA’s latest mission aims to study the effects of microgravity on biological organisms.
Lunar – Relating to the moon. – The lunar module was designed to safely transport astronauts from the command module to the moon’s surface.
Landings – The act of bringing a spacecraft or aircraft to the ground or a surface. – Precision landings on Mars require advanced navigation systems to ensure the rover reaches its designated area.
Gravity – A natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy are brought toward one another, including planets, stars, and galaxies. – Understanding gravity is crucial for calculating the trajectory of satellites orbiting Earth.
Vehicle – A machine, typically one that is powered and used for transporting people or goods, especially on land or in space. – The Mars rover is a sophisticated vehicle equipped with instruments to analyze the Martian soil.
Algorithms – A set of rules or processes to be followed in calculations or problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. – Engineers develop algorithms to optimize the flight paths of drones in varying weather conditions.
Sensors – Devices that detect or measure physical properties and record, indicate, or otherwise respond to them. – The spacecraft is equipped with sensors to monitor radiation levels in space.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. – Advances in solar panel technology have significantly improved the energy efficiency of satellites.
Control – The power to influence or direct the behavior of a system or device. – The control systems of the spacecraft ensure it maintains the correct orientation during its journey.
Exploration – The action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it. – Space exploration has led to numerous technological advancements that benefit life on Earth.
