NASA WEAR STEM Challenge Student Symposium Day 2 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

NASA scientists and student teams present their research and projects at a STEM symposium, covering various topics such as space exploration and aviation.

Key Insights

• 📽️ Awareness of what you don't know is crucial in complex technical projects.
• ❓ Certification by similarity can be effective, but attention to unique configurations and testing is necessary for success.
• 💨 Wind tunnel testing and analysis plays a significant role in understanding aerodynamics and thermal protection.
• 🥺 Failure can lead to valuable lessons and scientific discoveries if approached with flexibility and problem-solving mentality.

Transcript

good morning everyone welcome to day two of the where stem student symposium we're excited for our second day we've got a another group of of presenters from nasa and of course another half of our student teams to share their their work on this project i do want to remind everybody to please stay muted while you are unless you are speaking um and a... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of certification by similarity in space systems?

Certification by similarity allows engineers to adapt designs based on previous successful projects, but it also highlights the importance of testing and understanding unique aspects that may affect the system's performance.

Q: Can you provide examples of the challenges faced during the development of the space shuttle?

The space shuttle faced challenges with the strength of the thermal protection system, the stability of the body flap, and the accuracy of predictions regarding body flap deflection during entry.

Q: What caused the failure in the Pegasus XL launch vehicle?

The Pegasus XL launch vehicle experienced instability and crashed due to differences in aerodynamics and orientation compared to previous similar projects, highlighting the importance of testing and understanding unique configurations.

Q: How did the Genesis mission overcome its challenges after crashing into the desert?

Although the spacecraft crashed upon landing, scientists were able to salvage samples and perform scientific analyses, resulting in valuable research about solar wind despite the initial failure.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The STEM symposium features presentations from NASA scientists and student teams, showcasing their research and projects.

• NASA Vice President for Research, David Throckmorton, discusses the importance of being aware of what you don't know in complex technical projects.

• Throckmorton shares examples from the space shuttle, the Pegasus launch vehicle, the Genesis spacecraft, and the Mars Pathfinder, highlighting the significance of testing, design and analysis, and certification by similarity.

• Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights from the presentations.