Ninth Grade, Space Exploration Science Experiments (Page 3)

Build a Model Planetary Lander with Arduino

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Imagine that you need to make sure valuable cargo — like a robot or even human astronauts — can land safely on Mars. How would you do it? In this project, you will build your own model planetary lander using an Arduino. It will use a distance sensor and automatically deploy landing gear before impact. Can you avoid a crash landing? Read more

Rocket Science: How High Can You Send a Payload?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Rockets are definitively an engineering challenge. These amazing gravity-defying machines have lifted test material, people, and even animals into space. Feel like building one yourself? In this science project, you will transform a water bottle into an aerodynamic bottle rocket with two compartments, one for the fuel and one for a payload. You will then test how well it performs when lifting mass vertically up into the air. Ready, set, soar! Read more

Catching Stardust

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

How do astronomers collect stardust? They design and build satellites that are launched into space to collect particles on specially designed panels. Satellites can be sent to orbit around an object of interest: a planet, moon, or comet. In this experiment, you can build your own mini satellite and use it to collect some pretend stellar debris. If you simulate an asteroid impact, how much stellar dust will your satellite collect? Will placing your satellite at different "orbital" distances from… Read more

How Do You Protect Spacecraft from Space Debris?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You might not think a chip of paint could cause a lot of damage, but what if it is traveling 18,000 miles per hour? That is the reality astronauts face on the International Space Station (ISS). Learn how engineers protect the ISS from space debris in this fun science project as you build your own model spacecraft shield and conduct your own impact tests! Read more

Ion Thruster: Build an Ion Wind Rotor

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Ion thrusters, also called ion engines (Figure 1), are a type of electrically-powered spacecraft propulsion. While they provide very low thrusts (and thus low accelerations), they can do so for very long periods of time using a very small amount of fuel. So, while not appropriate for escaping Earth's gravity like chemical rockets which are less efficient but generate higher thrusts, they are useful for deep-space probes or making small adjustments to satellite orbits. You can read more about… Read more

Make a Model Rocket Land Vertically

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are dramatically lowering the cost of space flight by designing reusable rocket boosters that land back on Earth. Getting a rocket to land vertically without any damage - and without using a parachute to slow it down - is quite a tricky physics problem! In this project you will modify your own model rocket so it can land vertically. Read more

Mars Rover Obstacle Course

STEM Activity

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How do scientists and engineers control robots that drive around other planets millions of miles away? It's nowhere near as easy as driving a toy remote-control car here on Earth. In this activity you will experience some of the challenges you face when driving a "robot" that you can't see! Read more

Satellite Collision Detection: A Hands-On Coding Experience

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

Have you ever wondered what would happen if two satellites crashed into each other in space? While space may seem empty, Earth’s orbit is actually crowded with satellites and debris. In this project, you’ll step into the role of a space engineer, using real satellite data to model orbits, track their movement, and predict potential collisions. You’ll explore how gravity and speed affect a satellite’s movement and learn how scientists use simple math and code to prevent… Read more

Simulating The Kessler Syndrome: How Satellite Collisions Could Spiral Out of Control

Science Fair Project Idea

Engineering Design Process

What happens when a satellite collision in space leads to a chain reaction of more collisions? This project models The Kessler Syndrome: A scenario in which collisions between satellites in low Earth orbit create increasing amounts of debris, eventually making the region too dangerous for satellites or spacecraft to operate safely. By adjusting key variables like collision rates and debris generation, you can visualize how quickly space around Earth could become overcrowded, and explore… Read more

Solid Motor Rocket Propulsion

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

What does it take to launch a robot to Mars or for a satellite to explore our outer solar system? In this project you will explore the physics of a rocket as you predict its performance, launch it, and measure the actual results. This is rocket science! Read more

Ninth Grade, Space Exploration Science Experiments (75 results)

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