Report from Headquarters


Space Foundation Opens AGI Space Missions Simulator

Written by: developer

Space Foundation Opens AGI Space Missions Simulator Thanks to a multi-million dollar donation from Analytical Graphics, Inc., (AGI) sixth graders at Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy in Colorado Springs were able to complete their multi-curricular study of the International Space Station (ISS) in a state-of-the-art space missions simulator. The sixth graders programmed a simulation predicting when the ISS will be visible over Colorado Springs in June.

“The students were absolutely amazed at what they created,” said Bryan DeBates, Space Foundation senior aerospace education specialist. “They were able to do in two class periods what aerospace engineers do.”

AGI, headquartered in Exton, Pa., donated software, licensing, and new computer equipment valued at more than $3 million to establish the education lab, which simulates launch, flight, and landing of a variety of space missions. The lab runs AGI’s STK, Orbit Determination Tool Kit (ODTK) and STK/Astrogator software, allowing students and teachers to learn about satellite orbits, design their own satellite orbits, track their satellites, and, eventually, help plan a simulated return mission from Mars.

The simulator includes 30 student stations and one teacher station and may be used by any school district, when it’s available.

Click here to read local news coverage about the AGI Space Missions Simulator at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute.

Pictured: Space Foundation senior aerospace education specialist Bryan DeBates instructs sixth graders from Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy in the new AGI Space Missions Simulator at the Space Foundation Discovery Institute.


 

This article is part of Space Watch: June 2010 (Volume: 9, Issue: 6).


Posted in Report from Headquarters