Day 2: Mars Rover Communication
STEP 1: Although it’s a longer video, it’s a fascinating one—take some time to learn about the incredible engineering, biology, and overall curiosity that drive the science and technology behind building and landing a Mars rover. Sit back and enjoy—this one is worth it. Once we’re done watching, we’ll shift focus to the challenge of communication between Earth and Mars. But for now, just watch and be inspired!
STEP 2: Now watch the videos below to learn about the complex nature of communication between Mars and Earth, given the vast distance and the time it takes for radio waves to travel. Then, reflect on the challenges this delay creates when trying to land a spacecraft, send instructions, or predict the movement of rovers on Mars. How might this impact decision-making for mission control—and what does it mean for the future of space exploration?
STEP 3: Now it’s your turn to experience what it’s like to communicate with a delay using a simulation. You will be using the MIT Scratch coding interface at https://scratch.mit.edu to create a simple program with a delayed response.
Your program should allow you to communicate with both the Moon and Mars using different keys. For example, pressing the up arrow could represent communication with the Moon, where the response happens quickly. Pressing the down arrow could represent communication with Mars, where the response is delayed by several seconds.
The videos you watched earlier explained why these delays happen, and now you get to simulate that yourself. Make your project as complete and creative as you’d like. The video below will help you log into Scratch, and THIS video will show you how to build a delay using simple coding blocks. Have fun—and take it further if you can. I know you will!T
STEP 4: Now that you’ve created a delayed program, share a public Scratch link to your project and reflect on the information above. Then, create your own delay-based challenge and share the public link to it using the QR code below. In the “Subject” area, include your first name and/or your team members’ names. Click here to see all programs. [Click here for instructions on how to share a Scratch link.]
