Lunar Recovery Mission - A Workforce Direct Project
Introduction
At Community STEAM Academy - Xenia (CSA-Xenia), we are committed to community-focused, project-based STEAM education that provides Workforce Direct instruction. Our educational approach emphasizes real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, preparing students to tackle complex challenges and excel in their future careers. Through collaborative projects with industry leaders, we aim to equip our students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the modern workforce.
Lunar Recovery Mission: High Angle Recovery of Personnel and Equipment
Welcome to an exciting project from CSA-Xenia, in collaboration with the Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), working on a groundbreaking mission for NASA's Artemis program. The "Lunar Recovery Mission: High Angle Recovery of Personnel and Equipment" project is an innovative initiative focused on developing advanced rescue solutions for astronauts and equipment on the lunar surface, particularly in challenging terrains such as the lunar south pole near Shackleton Crater.
Project Overview
The primary objective of our project is to design and assess the feasibility of using commercial lunar surface vehicles for high-angle recovery missions. After the engagement of ALL CSA-Xenia students in the initial Design Thinking phases, passionate students were included to be part of the Design Teams. This involves conducting market research on potential vehicles for the Artemis missions, performing environmental and mechanical analyses to determine winch performance requirements, and exploring alternative solutions, including the use of robotic arms and unmanned systems for connecting recovery systems.
Key Objectives
Feasibility Assessment: Our team is researching commercial lunar surface vehicles, analyzing winch performance requirements, and considering innovative solutions like robotic arms for dynamic lunar terrain operations.
Simulation Development: We are creating a comprehensive simulation of the proposed recovery systems using Unreal Engine. This includes developing a training environment to demonstrate high-angle rescue capabilities under lunar conditions.
Deliverables
The project has already produced several key deliverables:
Student Presentations: Each of the three (3) Design Teams presented their solution for the Lunar Rescue. Here is the combined file of their slide deck.
Source Code and Simulation: We have developed source code for Unreal Engine simulations and a live demonstration of the zip line concept.
Component Parts: While time constraints prevented live simulations for all ideas, we have provided still photos and Blender files, with detailed information reports.
Educational Impact
This project offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Working in teams across grade levels, students engage in research, CAD modeling, and collaboration with industry professionals. The project culminates with students presenting their work to the WBI and MSgt Ben Johnis, who is actively involved in the Artemis mission.
Reflection and Learning
Our sprint coach reflects on the initial challenges of organizing teams, fostering a safe environment for creative thinking, and ensuring adequate resources and pacing. The project highlighted the importance of mentorship and the benefits of a growth mindset. The student-led teams demonstrated resilience, creativity, and collaboration, producing impressive results despite the tight timeline.
Moving Forward
Looking back, we see opportunities to enhance our approach, such as involving more students in the initial design process and seeking early support from subject matter experts. The project has been a valuable learning experience, reinforcing the importance of planning, resourcefulness, and the willingness to adapt.
Conclusion
The "Lunar Recovery Mission: High Angle Recovery of Personnel and Equipment" exemplifies the transformative impact of CSA-Xenia's STEAM education. By focusing on real-world, project-based learning, we prepare our students not just for exams, but for the challenges they will face in their future careers. Our innovative approach equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, ensuring they are ready to succeed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. We invite you to explore more about CSA-Xenia's unique educational model and join us in fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders. https://communitysteam.com/