A New Educational Program:astronautics In High School

Paper number

IAC-07-E1.2.05

Author

Ms. Chantal Cappelletti, Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale, Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Maria Libera Battagliere, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Fabrizio Piergentili, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Fabio Santoni, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Filippo Graziani, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Year

2007

Abstract

In early nineties the Group of Astrodynamics of University of Roma “La Sapienza” (GAUSS), established the UNISAT program at School of Aerospace Engineering of Roma with the aim to design, manufacture, launch and operate in orbit small educational satellites involving students, researchers and professors in an actual space program. In the framework of this program four satellites have already been launched, respectively in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006, from Baykonour Cosmodrome with DNEPR Space Launch System, powerful vehicle based on the intercontinental ballistic missile SS-18, converted to commercial use on the basis of the largest conversion program: the START Treaty.
The following step of this program is the design and realization of an educational microsatellite, involving also students from high school. Goal of this mission is involving younger students in a multi-subject project as a space program, to move them to scientific culture promoting a practical, “hands-on” teaching system. 
In the framework of this project, students of secondary schools will be directly involved in the design and realization of the satellite experimental payload, as well as in the telemetry data reception when satellite will be in orbit. They also will use a small technological demonstrator to understand the complex architecture of a space system and will get lectures about specific space related topics. 
In the last two years GAUSS started a new educational program with students of high schools, “Astronautica in classe”: students learn the principles of celestial mechanics, use didactical software, design and build a satellite mock-up and participate directly to the activities of the Ground Station San Pietro in Vincoli (SPIV), located at School of Aerospace Engineering, with a real time internet connection. 
Professors, researchers and students of the School of Aerospace Engineering teach to high schools student how to manufacture and interface satellite subsystem, building step by step simplified subsystems: starting from structure, moving through power storage and generation system, ending with simple temperature or battery voltage sensors data transmission.
This upgrading solution stimulates the students enthusiasm that grows up while the satellite mock-up improves.
In this paper the results of two years of educational activity with high students is showed and the mission main features are depicted.

Abstract document

IAC-07-E1.2.05.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-E1.2.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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