1. Watch video from 1:15-2:15: Shuttle Discovery Launch STS-121 (NASA) July 4th, 2006

2. Space Shuttle Ascent Background Information

Since its first flight in 1981, the space shuttle has been used to extend research, repair satellites, and help with building the International Space Station, or ISS. In 2011, the Space Shuttle was retired in favor of new space exploration vehicles. Space exploration depends on the continued success of space shuttle missions. Critical to any space shuttle mission is the ascent into space. The ascent phase begins at liftoff, goes through a first stage ascent using two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB), goes through a second stage ascent using an external tank, and ends at insertion into a circular or elliptical orbit around the Earth. To reach the minimum altitude required to orbit the Earth, the space shuttle must accelerate from zero to 8,000 meters per second (almost 18,000 miles per hour) in eight and a half minutes. (www.nasa.gov)

3. Lesson Overview
Today we are going to use flight data from mission STS-121’s launch to create graphs to investigate the motion of a NASA space shuttle in ascent. Our goal is to understand the relationship between its altitude, velocity, and acceleration.

4. The Value of Computational Thinking

Before each mission, projected data is compiled to assist in the launch of the space shuttle to ensure safety and success during the ascent. To complete this data, flight design specialists take into consideration a multitude of factors such as the weight of the space shuttle, propellant used, mass of payload being carried to space, and mass of payload returning. They must also factor in atmospheric density, which is changing throughout the year. After running multiple scenarios through computer modeling, information is compiled in a table showing exactly what should happen each second of the ascent. This information helps the NASA engineers and flight controllers to quickly evaluate whether or not the space shuttle is operating as expected during the launch phase. 

Data from the actual flight helps us understand the motion of the shuttle and prepares us to develop more accurate computer models. Understanding a phenomenon involves moving back and forth between flight data and data from computer simulations.