Algebra in Space

Mathematics of Launching the Shuttle

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/264012main_Algebra_Stu_Shuttle.pdf

Background
Safety is a priority in space exploration and math plays a big part in making sure a space shuttle launches
and returns to Earth safely. Prior to each shuttle launch, NASA scientists compile data which includes
the shuttle’s mass, the amount of propellant that will be used, and the mass of the payload being
carried by the shuttle. This data is then put into a table to illustrate what happens at each second of the
launch and ascent into space.

The ascent of a space shuttle takes place from the point of liftoff until the shuttle reaches orbit. During
this ascent, which takes only 8.5 minutes, the shuttle must accelerate from 0 to 800m/s (approximately
18,000mph) in order to reach orbit. In order to ensure safety, scientists must determine when throttle
should be decreased in order to avoid reaching a dynamic pressure great enough to damage the shuttle
(known as critical Q) and when it should be increased again once the shuttle reaches a point where the
atmosphere is thin enough to eliminate the dangers of reaching critical Q. If scientists are unable to
determine these points, the shuttle could either be damaged or run out of propellant before reaching
orbit.

Activity
Below is the projected data compiled Space Shuttle Discovery’s launch from the Kennedy Space Center
for mission STS-121 on July 4, 2006. As you can see in the data, the shuttle’s mass decreases
significantly during its ascent. This happens because as it ascends it burns a huge amount of fuel and
eventually releases its solid rocket boosters (at an altitude of 50km) and external tank (at an altitude of
120km). Use the data to answer the same questions NASA scientists do to make sure the shuttle
reaches orbit safely.

Ascent Data
Time (s) Space Shuttle Mass (kg) Altitude (m)
0 2,051,113 -8
10 1,935,155 241
20 1,799,290 1,244
30 1,681,120 2,872
40 1,567,611 5,377
50 1,475,282 8,130
60 1,376,301 11,617
70 1,277,921 15,380
80 1,177,704 19,872
90 1,075,683 25,608
100 991,872 31,412
110 913,254 38,309
120 880,377 44,726
1. Make a scatter plot of mass vs. time. What is the correlation of the data (positive, negative,
constant, or no correlation)?

2. Draw a line of best fit on your graph.

3. Find the equation of this line.

4. What is the slope of the line?

5. Now, create a scatter plot of altitude vs. time.

6. What kind of function do you think would best describe the graph of altitude vs. time?