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Problem Title: Space Shuttle Problem: No More Space Shuttles

     
  Year: 2011      
  Student Level: High School      
  Source: HiMCM      
  Commentary: Yes (1)      
  Student Papers: Yes (4)      
     
  Problem  
 

On July 21, 2011, the 135th and final US Space Shuttle landed in Florida after its 13-day mission into orbit, complete with a docking at the International Space Station (ISS). NASA will now have to rely on other nations or commercial endeavors to travel into space until a replacement vehicle is developed and constructed. Develop a comprehensive ten-year plan complete with costs, payloads, and flight schedules to maintain the ISS.

Some interesting facts possibly worthy of your consideration:

  • The ISS is at full capacity with 6 astronauts, but can surge during shuttle docks to as high as 13.

  • The ISS is scheduled to remain in service until at least the year 2020.

  • Historically, transport to the ISS using US Shuttles has cost between $5000-10,000 per pound. Shuttle missions have lasted approximately 10-14 days in orbit. Missions on board the ISS typically last around six months.

  • Recently, progress has been made within private industry to launch unmanned rockets into space.

  • Russia is willing to launch US astronauts into space at a cost of about $60 million each.
 
  Commentary      
 

Consortium Article

     
         
  Student Papers      
 

Team 2929: Space Shuttle Problem: No More Space Shuttles

Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong

 
         
 

Team 2930: Space Shuttle Problem: No More Space Shuttles

Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong

 
         
 

Team 3170: Space Shuttle Problem: No More Space Shuttles

Eastside High School, Gainesville, FL

 
         
 

Team 3307: Space Shuttle Problem: No More Space Shuttles

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, IL