Title: Designing a Self-Sustaining Smart City Model for Mars
Objective
To design and model a sustainable smart city for Mars, focusing on renewable
energy, water recycling, food production, waste management, and autonomous
systems. The model will simulate essential city functions and highlight how these
can be managed with limited resources in the harsh Martian environment.
Project Overview
This project involves building a physical or digital model of a smart city on Mars that
can operate autonomously, efficiently, and sustainably. The city design will
incorporate renewable energy sources, habitat construction, autonomous
transportation, food production, and waste management. Using sensors,
microcontrollers, and automation, the model will demonstrate the feasibility of
smart systems that would be necessary to support human life on Mars.
Components and Features
1. Energy Generation and Storage
o Solar Panels: Since Mars receives sunlight, solar panels will be the
main source of power. Design models with movable solar panels that
track sunlight for optimal energy efficiency.
o Wind Turbines: Though the Martian atmosphere is thin, occasional
strong winds could generate supplemental power. Small wind turbine
models can be integrated for areas with sufficient wind activity.
o Energy Storage: Incorporate battery banks to store energy generated
from solar and wind sources, ensuring a steady power supply during
the night or dust storms.
2. Water Extraction and Recycling
o Water Recycling System: Design a closed-loop water recycling
system that purifies waste water, mimicking Earth’s water cycle.
o Atmospheric Water Harvesting: Simulate water extraction from the
Martian atmosphere using chemical reactions or hygroscopic materials.
o Ice Mining: Create a concept for mining ice deposits (found in Martian
polar regions) and converting them into potable water through
filtration and purification.
3. Habitat Design and Temperature Control
o Pressurized Domes: Use transparent domes made of materials that
mimic Martian habitat domes to protect from radiation and maintain air
pressure.
o Temperature Regulation: Model a system that uses thermal
insulation and solar heating to maintain habitable temperatures inside
structures.
o Radiation Shielding: Include layers of simulated regolith or materials
that represent radiation-blocking materials, essential for protecting
inhabitants from cosmic rays and solar radiation.
4. Autonomous Transportation Network
o Self-Driving Rovers and Drones: Use small autonomous rovers or
drones to simulate transportation of goods and people between
different parts of the city.
o Magnetic or Electric Rail System: Design a small-scale electric or
magnetic rail system to demonstrate efficient transport across the city,
minimizing fuel consumption.
o Communication System: Equip each rover or drone with a
communication module to share real-time data, avoiding collisions and
ensuring a smooth traffic flow.
5. Food Production Facilities
o Hydroponic Farming: Develop a hydroponic system to grow plants
without soil, simulating efficient crop growth with limited water.
o Algae Bioreactor: Build an algae bioreactor for oxygen production
and as an alternative food source, simulating how Mars settlers could
supplement their diet.
o Greenhouses with LED Lighting: Model greenhouses with LED lights
to provide artificial sunlight, helping plants grow during periods when
sunlight is limited due to dust storms.
6. Waste Management and Recycling
o Biodegradable Waste Recycling: Design a composting or bioreactor
system that breaks down organic waste to use as fertilizer for farming.
o Plastics and Metal Recycling: Use a mechanical recycling system
that collects, melts, and reshapes materials like plastics and metals,
allowing for the construction of tools or city infrastructure.
o Energy Recovery from Waste: Simulate waste-to-energy
conversion, where certain types of waste are burned or converted into
biogas, providing another energy source.
7. Environmental Monitoring and Climate Control
o Air Quality Control: Use CO₂ sensors and oxygenators (modeled with
LED indicators) to control and monitor air quality within the city domes,
keeping CO₂ levels safe for human habitation.
o Dust Storm Prediction System: Model a weather forecasting station
that monitors temperature, pressure, and wind speed to predict dust
storms and shut down solar panels or outdoor activities when needed.
o Temperature and Humidity Control: Place temperature and
humidity sensors in habitats and greenhouses to maintain the ideal
conditions for residents and plants.
8. City Management and Data Transmission
o Central Control Hub: Develop a centralized control system that
displays real-time data from each city component, enabling automated
control and emergency responses.
o AI Monitoring System: Design a basic AI program to simulate
decisions on energy distribution, water recycling, waste management,
and transportation schedules.
o Data Communication with Earth: Simulate a communication link
that sends periodic updates to a “mission control” on Earth,
representing how the city would maintain contact with Earth despite
delays.
Materials Needed
Electronic Components: Microcontrollers (Arduino or Raspberry Pi), sensors
(temperature, humidity, CO₂, etc.), motors for rovers, rechargeable batteries,
LEDs, and Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules.
Construction Materials: Transparent plastic domes or containers (for
habitats), solar cells, small electric motors, miniature farming structures, and
other model-building supplies.
Software: Arduino IDE for programming, data visualization tools (Excel or
Python), machine learning libraries for AI, and 3D modeling software for
digital designs.
Miscellaneous: Wires, glue, soil for hydroponics, water pumps, and base
materials for city layout and rovers.
Steps for Building and Testing
1. City Layout Design: Draw and build a layout for the smart city, designating
areas for energy generation, water storage, greenhouses, habitats, and
transport routes.
2. Assemble Habitats and Energy Systems: Construct dome habitats, solar
panels, and wind turbines. Attach necessary sensors for monitoring
environmental conditions.
3. Build and Program the Rover System: Build autonomous rovers with
programmed paths, obstacle avoidance, and data-sharing features to
simulate transportation in the city.
4. Set Up Farming Systems: Install hydroponic and algae growth systems,
and add automated lighting to simulate controlled farming.
5. Establish Data Transmission and Control Hub: Program a control hub
that collects data from each city component and allows for remote
monitoring.
6. Test and Monitor: Run tests for all systems under different conditions (e.g.,
low sunlight, simulated dust storms) to evaluate energy efficiency, water
recycling, and environmental conditions.
Expected Outcomes and Analysis
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Measure and analyze energy usage
from solar and wind power sources and determine if they can support the
city’s functions in a sustainable way.
Autonomy and Resilience: Evaluate how well the city can operate
autonomously and withstand challenges like limited sunlight, dust storms,
and resource constraints.
Resource Management: Track water recycling efficiency, food production
rates, and waste management to determine if the city can sustainably
support its inhabitants.
Communication Reliability: Analyze data transmission between the Mars
city and Earth to assess potential communication delays and data integrity.
Project Applications and Future Exploration
Mars Colonization Feasibility: Demonstrate what infrastructure and
technology will be required for long-term Martian habitation.
Sustainable Living on Earth: Apply insights from this model to Earth,
showcasing how similar sustainable technology could improve efficiency and
quality of life here.
Autonomous System Advancements: Explore how AI and autonomous
control systems can manage complex habitats with minimal human
intervention, useful for remote Earth-based facilities.
Title: Designing a Manned Mission to Mars: Spacecraft, Life Support, and
Habitat Systems
Objective
To design a feasible spacecraft and mission plan for transporting humans to Mars,
landing, sustaining life on the Martian surface, and returning safely to Earth. The
project will focus on propulsion, life support systems, radiation protection, habitat
design, and mission timeline.
Project Overview
This project involves designing a multi-stage mission plan, including the journey
from Earth to Mars, entry and landing on Mars, and the return trip. The model will
incorporate the latest advancements in rocket propulsion, in-situ resource utilization
(ISRU), radiation shielding, and environmental control to simulate a sustainable
Mars mission.
Key Components and Features
1. Mission Planning and Timeline
o Launch Window Calculation: Plan the mission based on optimal
launch windows (every 26 months) when Earth and Mars are closest.
Simulate trajectory paths using Hohmann transfer orbit or more
energy-efficient methods.
o Transit Time: Calculate the transit duration (typically around 6-9
months) and account for supplies and fuel needed for the journey.
o Return Trip: Plan for either a short stay (~30 days) or a long-stay
(~500 days) mission depending on Mars and Earth alignment, using
the "conjunction" or "opposition" class mission designs.
2. Spacecraft Design and Propulsion System
o Crewed Interplanetary Spacecraft: Design a spacecraft with
modules for propulsion, crew quarters, and life support systems.
o Propulsion Options: Explore different propulsion technologies:
Chemical Rockets: Traditional chemical rockets for high thrust,
useful for launch and entry/landing.
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: High efficiency and thrust using
nuclear reactors, potentially reducing transit time.
Electric/Ion Propulsion: Lower thrust but high efficiency,
useful for adjustments in space.
o Stage Separation and Mars Orbit Insertion: Design modules that
can separate in stages, including a Mars orbit insertion stage that
allows the main ship to stay in orbit while a descent module carries the
crew to the Martian surface.
3. Life Support and Environmental Control Systems
o Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Recycling: Use systems like the
Sabatier process and electrolysis to produce oxygen from CO₂ and
water.
o Water Recycling: Model a closed-loop water system similar to the
ISS, recycling water from waste and condensation.
o Food and Waste Management: Design storage for freeze-dried
foods, and consider options for growing small amounts of fresh food
using hydroponics. Model waste recycling to minimize resource
depletion.
o Temperature and Humidity Control: Include temperature and
humidity sensors to maintain stable and habitable conditions.
4. Radiation Protection
o Passive Shielding: Model radiation shielding using materials like
polyethylene or water around the crew quarters, reducing exposure
from cosmic rays.
o Active Shielding: Research potential methods like electromagnetic
fields or plasma to create a protective shield, though this is a
speculative area for additional study.
o Mars Surface Shelter: Design a shelter that can be covered with
Martian regolith (soil) to shield from cosmic and solar radiation,
providing a safe habitat for long-duration stays.
5. Mars Descent and Landing System
o Aeroshell and Heat Shield: Design an aeroshell for atmospheric
entry to protect the spacecraft during Mars descent. Include a heat
shield for initial atmospheric entry.
o Supersonic Parachutes: Use parachutes to slow descent, followed by
retro-propulsion engines for soft landing, similar to the Mars Science
Laboratory (Curiosity) and Mars 2020 (Perseverance) approaches.
o Sky Crane or Descent Stage: Model a sky crane or descent stage to
lower the habitat or rover to the Martian surface, ensuring a safe
landing in rocky or uneven terrain.
6. Surface Habitat and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)
o Inflatable Habitats: Model expandable inflatable habitats that
provide living space and can be covered with regolith for additional
radiation shielding.
o ISRU Systems: Design systems to extract water from Martian ice and
produce oxygen from CO₂ using solid oxide electrolysis.
o Mars Rover and Mobility: Include a rover design for crew mobility,
exploring the area, collecting samples, and transporting crew members
or resources between the landing site and habitat.
7. Return to Earth
o Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV): Design a small rocket that uses locally
produced fuel (e.g., methane and oxygen from Martian resources) to
return the crew to Mars orbit.
o Orbital Rendezvous: Plan a rendezvous in Mars orbit with the main
ship, which would remain in orbit during the crew’s stay on Mars,
saving fuel and resources.
o Earth Re-entry and Landing: Design a crew capsule that can safely
re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down for recovery after the
mission.
8. Data Transmission and Communication
o Long-Range Communication: Simulate a long-range communication
system to relay data between Mars and Earth with a delay (between 4
and 24 minutes one-way, depending on distance).
o Data Logging and Monitoring: Design software to log and monitor
crew health, environmental data, and mission status in real-time for
analysis on Earth.
Materials Needed
Modeling Supplies: 3D-printed or hand-built models of spacecraft, habitat
modules, rovers, and Mars terrain.
Electronic Components: Arduino or Raspberry Pi for simulating control
systems, sensors for temperature, CO₂, oxygen, and radiation.
Software: Space mission simulation tools (e.g., Orbiter, Kerbal Space
Program with mods), 3D modeling software (Blender, Tinkercad), and Excel or
Python for calculations.
Miscellaneous: Wires, LEDs, glue, miniature tanks or pressure chambers for
environmental controls, and rechargeable batteries for power systems.
Steps for Building and Testing
1. Mission Timeline and Simulation: Develop a mission timeline from launch
to return, and simulate the spacecraft’s path using space mission software.
2. Spacecraft and Propulsion Model: Build a scaled model of the spacecraft,
incorporating modules for propulsion, life support, and crew quarters.
3. Life Support System Testing: Set up closed-loop systems to recycle water
and CO₂, and test sensors to maintain environmental control.
4. Radiation and Shielding Tests: Experiment with simulated radiation
shielding materials and measure effectiveness (e.g., using radiation sensors if
available).
5. Mars Entry and Descent System: Test a model entry and descent system,
demonstrating how the spacecraft would decelerate and land on Mars.
6. Surface Habitat and ISRU Demo: Create a basic Martian habitat with a
simulated regolith shield and show how ISRU could produce oxygen and
water.
7. Return and Re-Entry Simulation: Model the Mars Ascent Vehicle’s journey
to Mars orbit and the crew capsule’s re-entry and landing on Earth.
Expected Outcomes and Analysis
Feasibility of Human Mars Missions: Analyze the feasibility of
transporting humans to Mars based on fuel needs, life support requirements,
and radiation exposure.
Energy and Resource Efficiency: Evaluate energy consumption, resource
recycling efficiency, and in-situ production capabilities.
Safety and Sustainability: Identify potential challenges in protecting crew
members from radiation and providing adequate life support during long
missions.
Cost Analysis: Estimate the cost and resources required for such a mission,
considering technology for ISRU, habitat design, and propulsion options.
Potential Extensions and Future Exploration
Improved Propulsion: Research next-generation propulsion like fusion or
antimatter engines, which could drastically reduce travel time to Mars.
Artificial Gravity Systems: Design rotating habitats to provide artificial
gravity, addressing bone density and muscle deterioration concerns.
Long-Term Martian Colonies: Develop ideas for Mars colonies with
expanded infrastructure, including farming, industry, and recreation, for a
permanent human presence.
Terraforming Mars: Theoretically explore ways to alter Mars' atmosphere
and climate for future human colonization, including greenhouse gas
production or magnetic field generation.
Title: Designing and Testing an Autonomous Mars Rover Model for Harsh
Terrain Navigation and Soil Analysis
Objective
To design a model of an advanced Mars rover that can autonomously navigate
challenging Martian terrain, conduct soil sampling, and transmit data back to a
simulated “Earth base.” This project will focus on building a rover prototype with
autonomous navigation, terrain mapping, soil analysis, and communication
systems, mimicking the capabilities of Mars rovers like Perseverance.
Project Overview
The project involves building a scaled-down Mars rover model that can
autonomously travel across a simulated Martian landscape, avoid obstacles, and
collect data about its surroundings. Equipped with sensors, cameras, and a soil
analysis module, this rover will perform tasks that real rovers undertake, such as
soil testing and environmental monitoring. Using a programmable microcontroller
like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, the rover can be programmed to operate
autonomously and send data wirelessly to a “mission control” interface.
Components and Features
1. Autonomous Navigation System
o Obstacle Avoidance: Use ultrasonic or infrared sensors to detect
obstacles in the rover's path, allowing it to navigate around rocks, hills,
or craters.
o Pathfinding Algorithm: Implement algorithms like A* or Dijkstra’s
algorithm to plan efficient paths through rugged terrain.
o GPS or Positioning System: Use a simulated GPS system or an IR
beacon system for localization in the "Martian" environment, allowing
the rover to locate itself and plan routes accurately.
2. Terrain Analysis and Mapping
o LiDAR or Ultrasonic Mapping: Attach a LiDAR or ultrasonic sensor to
create a 3D map of the rover’s surroundings, enabling it to identify
areas of interest for further investigation.
o Camera Module: Integrate a camera to capture images of the
landscape and analyze features (like rock formations) that could
indicate past water presence.
o Terrain Classification: Implement image processing or basic AI to
classify terrain types (e.g., rocky, sandy, or smooth), which can help
the rover choose safe paths.
3. Soil Sampling and Analysis Module
o Soil Collection Arm: Design a small robotic arm with a scoop to
collect soil samples. The arm can be controlled autonomously or
manually.
o Soil Moisture Sensor: Use a soil moisture sensor to determine water
content, giving insight into soil properties.
o PH Sensor and Temperature Sensor: Install sensors to analyze the
acidity and temperature of the soil, helping to simulate experiments for
discovering signs of life.
4. Communication and Data Transmission
o Wireless Data Transmission: Use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transmit data
back to a remote “Earth base,” simulating the delay in data
transmission from Mars to Earth.
o Telemetry Interface: Design a software interface to display rover
data like position, soil analysis, and environmental readings, allowing a
“mission control” team to monitor the rover’s performance.
o Data Storage and Processing: Store collected data for later
analysis, and design data processing algorithms to convert raw sensor
readings into usable information.
5. Environmental Monitoring
o Temperature and Humidity Sensors: Simulate environmental
readings on Mars by incorporating temperature and humidity sensors
that mimic Mars-like conditions.
o Wind Speed and Direction: Attach an anemometer or basic wind
sensor to measure “wind,” important for understanding Martian dust
storms and weather patterns.
Materials Needed
Robotics Kit: Arduino or Raspberry Pi for the main microcontroller, motor
drivers, servos, and wheels or tank tracks for mobility.
Sensors: Ultrasonic or IR sensors for obstacle detection, soil moisture, pH,
temperature, humidity sensors, and a small LiDAR for mapping.
Camera: A Pi Camera or similar for capturing images of terrain.
Wireless Module: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module for communication.
Robotic Arm Components: Small servos and end effectors for the soil
collection arm.
Software: Arduino IDE or Python for programming, basic machine learning
libraries if attempting terrain classification, and data visualization tools like
Excel or Python-based visualization.
Miscellaneous: Gears, wheels or tracks, power supply (e.g., rechargeable
batteries), and base materials for the rover structure.
Steps for Building and Testing
1. Rover Construction: Assemble the base with wheels or tank tracks for
movement. Attach the robotic arm and mount sensors for navigation, soil
sampling, and environmental analysis.
2. Programming Navigation: Write code to handle obstacle avoidance and
pathfinding, and test the rover’s ability to navigate complex paths
autonomously.
3. Data Collection Module: Program the sensors to gather data on soil
properties, environmental factors, and terrain type. Set up data storage and
transmission protocols.
4. Simulate Mars Terrain: Create a challenging terrain (with sand, rocks, and
slopes) to simulate Martian conditions, and test the rover’s capability to
navigate and perform tasks in this environment.
5. Remote Monitoring: Develop a software interface that displays real-time
rover data, including location, sensor readings, and images captured by the
camera.
6. Data Analysis: Collect data from multiple test runs and analyze it to assess
the rover’s performance, comparing path efficiency, sensor accuracy, and the
quality of soil samples.
Expected Outcomes and Analysis
Navigation and Mapping Accuracy: Test and evaluate the rover’s ability to
autonomously navigate and map the terrain. Identify obstacles encountered
and discuss improvements to the pathfinding algorithm.
Soil and Environmental Data: Analyze the collected soil and
environmental data to assess the rover’s ability to detect conditions that
could indicate the presence of water or past microbial life.
Reliability of Autonomous Systems: Evaluate the performance of the
autonomous systems in terms of battery usage, error rate, and sensor
accuracy. Discuss how these systems could be adapted for actual Mars
conditions.
Potential Extensions and Further Exploration
Machine Learning for Improved Navigation: Implement machine learning
algorithms to improve the rover’s navigation capabilities by recognizing
certain types of terrain or identifying hazards.
Simulated Communication Delays: Program simulated time delays to
mimic real-world data transmission times between Earth and Mars.
Multi-Rover Collaboration: Simulate a scenario where multiple rovers work
together, dividing tasks such as soil sampling and mapping to enhance
mission efficiency.
Rover Adaptation for Extreme Conditions: Explore how materials and
components would need to be modified to withstand the harsh conditions on
Mars, including extreme temperatures, dust storms, and radiation exposure.
Project Applications and Real-World Impact
This project demonstrates the capabilities of Mars rovers and the role they play in
planetary exploration. Concepts learned in this project, such as autonomous
navigation, soil analysis, and environmental monitoring, directly relate to ongoing
space missions, and they provide valuable insights into the development of more
sophisticated and efficient rovers for future Mars exploration missions.
This model can be an engaging, hands-on project that showcases the potential for
robotics in space exploration, allowing students or researchers to understand the
challenges and innovations involved in interplanetary missions. Let me know if
you'd like further details on programming, testing, or specific components of this
project!
Title :Nuclear Propulsion engines
Project Overview:
The goal of this project is to investigate how nuclear propulsion engines work,
compare them to other propulsion systems, and explore their applications in space
exploration. The project will also look at the science behind nuclear reactions, the
types of nuclear fuels, and the engineering challenges associated with building and
operating these engines.
Project Outline:
1. Introduction to Nuclear Propulsion
Objective: Explain what nuclear propulsion engines are and why they are
relevant for space exploration.
Key Points to Cover:
o What is nuclear propulsion?
o The importance of nuclear propulsion for deep space missions.
o How nuclear propulsion compares with chemical propulsion (rockets)
and electric propulsion (ion drives).
2. Types of Nuclear Propulsion Engines
Objective: Explore the different types of nuclear propulsion engines and
explain how they work.
Key Types:
o Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP):
Uses a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant, typically hydrogen,
which is then expelled to produce thrust.
Discuss efficiency and thrust potential compared to conventional
rockets.
o Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP):
Uses a nuclear reactor to generate electricity, which then
powers an ion or plasma engine.
Has lower thrust but higher efficiency, making it suitable for
long-duration missions.
o Fusion-based Propulsion:
Explores the potential of using nuclear fusion reactions for
propulsion, though this technology is still experimental.
Highlight theoretical advantages like greater energy output and
less radiation than fission.
3. Mechanics of Nuclear Reactions in Propulsion
Objective: Explain the science of nuclear reactions and how they produce
energy for propulsion.
Key Concepts:
o Difference between nuclear fission and fusion.
o Basics of how energy is released in these reactions.
o How this energy is converted into thrust in propulsion systems.
4. Materials and Fuel for Nuclear Propulsion Engines
Objective: Discuss the types of fuels and materials used in nuclear
propulsion.
Key Points:
o Common fuels (e.g., uranium, plutonium for fission; deuterium and
tritium for fusion).
o Shielding materials to protect the spacecraft and astronauts from
radiation.
o Challenges in sourcing and handling nuclear fuel in space.
5. Safety and Engineering Challenges
Objective: Explore the engineering and safety challenges of using nuclear
engines in space.
Key Issues:
o Radiation protection and containment of radioactive materials.
o Heat dissipation in the vacuum of space.
o Reliability of nuclear reactors over long missions and remote operation
concerns.
o Potential impact of accidents and failure management in space.
6. Applications in Space Exploration
Objective: Examine potential applications of nuclear propulsion engines in
space missions.
Key Points:
o How nuclear propulsion could reduce travel time to Mars and beyond.
o Potential for powering long-term missions to outer planets, asteroids,
or interstellar space.
o Exploration of human missions using nuclear propulsion versus robotic
missions.
7. Model Creation and Experiment (Optional)
Objective: Build a model or a simple experiment to illustrate the principles of
nuclear propulsion.
Ideas:
o Model Rocket: Create a model of a spacecraft equipped with nuclear
propulsion (non-functional but illustrative of components).
o Heat Transfer Demonstration: Use a thermal heating source to
show how heating a gas can create movement, similar to how NTP
engines heat hydrogen.
o Ion Thruster Simulation: Use an electric propulsion model (e.g.,
small ion thruster kits) to simulate how NEP engines operate.
8. Project Report and Presentation
Objective: Summarize the research, findings, and insights gained from the
project.
Sections:
o Introduction and background of nuclear propulsion.
o Types of engines and how they work.
o Mechanics of nuclear reactions.
o Fuels, materials, and safety.
o Engineering challenges and applications.
o Summary and conclusion on the feasibility and future of nuclear
propulsion in space exploration.
Presentation Tips:
Visual Aids: Use diagrams of nuclear engines, labeled components, and
flowcharts of how nuclear propulsion engines work.
Video Clips: Include animations or simulations of nuclear propulsion (e.g.,
NASA’s animations for nuclear thermal and electric propulsion).
Real-world Examples: Mention projects like NASA’s Nuclear Thermal
Propulsion studies or past missions that considered nuclear propulsion, like
the NERVA program.
References and Resources:
1. NASA’s Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Program: NASA NTP Overview
2. American Nuclear Society on Space Propulsion: ANS Resources
3. European Space Agency (ESA) Research on Propulsion: ESA Propulsion
Technology
This project will not only highlight the science and technology behind nuclear
propulsion but also raise awareness of the potential benefits and risks associated
with this advanced space exploration technology. By conducting research, creating a
model, and presenting findings, students can engage deeply with the challenges
and possibilities of pushing humanity farther into space.