Download 19.3 OUTLINE NOTES Recent and Future Space - OG

19.3 OUTLINE NOTES
Recent and Future Space Missions
I. MISSIONS TO SUN AND MOON
A.
B.
Solar probes – purpose to study the high-energy
radiation and charged particles emitted from
sun in order to protect spacecraft and humans
Lunar probes – help scientists select a place for
a lunar outpost
II. MISSIONS TO INNER PLANETS USING
PROBES (MERCURY, VENUS, MARS)
A.
B.
C.
Learn how inner planets are formed
Geological forces are active on them
Whether they could support life
III. MISSIONS TO OUTER PLANETS AND
BEYOND USING PROBES
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune
Pluto is now a dwarf planet* (round body that
orbits the sun but not big enough to clear away
objects in its orbit)
Long and difficult missions due to distance
Cassini went to Saturn
Probes use gravity from other planets to propel
them since no rocket is strong enough
FUTURE SPACE MISSIONS
Mars Missions:
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html
 Can humans travel further into space than the
moon? Will we build cities in space? Who knows?

SEARCH FOR LIFE
A.
Astrobiology – study of life in the universe,
including life on earth and the possibility of
extraterrestrial life
1. Investigating life on Earth may help us
predict where else we might find life
elsewhere
2. Need water!
1.
Our moon
2.
Today’s Washington Post headline reads
“NASA rover finds that soil on Mars is
similar to Hawaii’s”
VI. UNDERSTANDING EARTH BY
EXPLORING SPACE
A.
B.
C.
How other objects influence Earth
How Earth was formed
How Earth supports life (Even in EXTREME
conditions)
1. Need liquid water, organic materials, source of
energy
D.
E.
Learn that Earth is UNIQUE!
Not all missions are to outer space – some
monitor Earth by satellite to show changes in
weather, land forms, etc.