Simulation
Simulation - Apollo: Re-Entry
Test entry parameters like altitude, speed, and angle for the Apollo mission and see how they affected the safety of the re-entry trajectory.
Unit: Differential Equations (AP Calc BC Unit 7)
Topics: Solving Separable Differential Equations, Euler’s Method
Students join NASA’s trajectory verification team during the Apollo 13 mission. They solve a separable differential equation to model the spacecraft’s velocity during descent, use Euler’s Method to simulate parachute deployment, and assess how much the entry point could shift due to a small navigation error. This project ends with a short flight readiness memo where students decide whether the trajectory is safe to fly based on their results.
Resources
Interactive Work
Interactive embeds and supporting notes for this assignment.
Simulation
Test entry parameters like altitude, speed, and angle for the Apollo mission and see how they affected the safety of the re-entry trajectory.
Simulation
Configure drogue and main parachute deployment altitudes in Apollo’s parachute descent, and the step size used by the AGC’s estimations, to see how parachute deployment timing and Euler’s method affect a safe landing.
