1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,080 What is a computer simulation? 2 00:00:05,080 --> 00:00:09,040 How are computer simulations used to design spacecraft? 3 00:00:09,040 --> 00:00:13,640 How are math and science used to plan for the next generation ROV? 4 00:00:13,640 --> 00:00:19,640 The team and I are at the Collaborative Engineering Center, or CEC, here at NASA Marshall. 5 00:00:19,640 --> 00:00:25,600 The CEC is a facility that enables scientists and engineers from across the country 6 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:30,920 to study spacecraft architecture in a virtual environment, kind of like a chat room, 7 00:00:30,920 --> 00:00:32,720 before they build the vehicles. 8 00:00:32,720 --> 00:00:35,560 They do this by using computer simulations. 9 00:00:35,560 --> 00:00:40,760 Cathy, if I remember correctly, a computer simulation is a powerful tool that allows engineers, 10 00:00:40,760 --> 00:00:43,960 such as yourself, to input data into a program. 11 00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:49,960 Exactly. We get to play, or I mean study, what ifs with different types of engines, structures, 12 00:00:49,960 --> 00:00:53,800 thermal protection, and whatever we want to test just by changing the data. 13 00:00:53,800 --> 00:00:56,960 That's great. Now, what do you have the kids working on today? 14 00:00:56,960 --> 00:01:01,080 Earlier, we talked about how different fuel choices, which propel the spacecraft, 15 00:01:01,080 --> 00:01:03,280 affect the launch weight of the vehicle. 16 00:01:03,280 --> 00:01:09,200 By using computer simulations, we can get a real-time idea of how these choices affect the whole architecture. 17 00:01:09,200 --> 00:01:15,200 The computer simulation shows how one change can ripple through the entire system, like waves on a pond. 18 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:21,640 I get it. Computer simulations allow designers to see how one choice can affect the big picture. 19 00:01:21,640 --> 00:01:28,800 Yes, and another reason why simulations are so useful is because we have over 20 years of experience with the space shuttle. 20 00:01:28,800 --> 00:01:33,000 I see. So by looking at similar numbers and costs from the shuttle program, 21 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:36,720 you have a starting off point to begin testing new ideas. 22 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:42,000 Well, yes. Sometimes, of course, we have to use, engineers have to use their estimating skills 23 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:44,360 to come up with a starting point for their calculations. 24 00:01:44,360 --> 00:01:46,160 Oh, well, can you give me an example? 25 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:50,520 Sure. Suppose you are looking at TPS, thermal protection systems. 26 00:01:50,520 --> 00:01:54,840 Let's say that a low-maintenance TPS system weighs 3,000 kilograms, 27 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:58,120 and the total weight of the vehicle is 75,000 kilograms. 28 00:01:58,120 --> 00:02:02,520 How would you estimate the thermal protection system weight to the vehicle weight ratio? 29 00:02:02,520 --> 00:02:11,200 Okay, let's see. 3,000 kilograms TPS weight to 75,000 kilograms of vehicle weight. 30 00:02:11,200 --> 00:02:14,680 By simplify and reduce, it's about 1 to 25. 31 00:02:14,680 --> 00:02:20,880 Exactly. We might find that one system is heavier, but the reduced maintenance costs might still make it a good idea. 32 00:02:20,880 --> 00:02:23,760 Of course, eventually, you have to build and test systems and hardware, 33 00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:27,720 but think of the time and money you save testing with the simulations first. 34 00:02:27,720 --> 00:02:29,640 And it allows more creativity. 35 00:02:29,640 --> 00:02:33,920 Absolutely. See how they're trying different thermal protection systems? 36 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:36,800 Look what it does to the vehicle weight and structure, too. 37 00:02:36,800 --> 00:02:39,880 What did we do before we had all this technology? 38 00:02:39,880 --> 00:02:43,000 Well, for one thing, we did calculations by hand. 39 00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:46,160 We also built and tested a whole lot more hardware. 40 00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:51,160 Of course, that was okay then, but now engineers have so many more tools to help them. 41 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:54,800 But they still must use math, science, and technology. 42 00:02:54,800 --> 00:03:02,080 First, there has to be computer scientists and mathematicians to design the software and hardware that is needed for computer simulations. 43 00:03:02,080 --> 00:03:04,440 Remember, the computer only calculates the data, 44 00:03:04,440 --> 00:03:10,600 but the engineers need sharp math and science skills to analyze the results and decide on the final design. 45 00:03:10,600 --> 00:03:15,760 The Space Launch Initiative will get a spacecraft to orbit more safely and less expensively. 46 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:18,000 That's going to take a team effort. 47 00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:21,720 And it's not too early for your next generation explorers to start getting ready. 48 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:24,240 Doing well in school is the most important step. 49 00:03:24,240 --> 00:03:25,520 I couldn't agree with you more. 50 00:03:25,520 --> 00:03:29,360 Thank you so much, Kathy, for sharing all the information you did with us. 51 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:30,240 We really appreciate it. 52 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:34,480 The kids had a great time, and I'm sure I'm going to have a really hard time pulling them away from here. 53 00:03:34,480 --> 00:03:35,520 Well, thanks for coming. 54 00:03:35,520 --> 00:03:36,520 You're welcome. 55 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:40,440 Hey, while we're here, let's do our last cue card reveal. 56 00:03:40,440 --> 00:03:42,400 What is a computer simulation? 57 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:45,960 How are computer simulations used to design spacecraft? 58 00:03:45,960 --> 00:03:50,280 How are math and science used to plan for the next generation RLV?