NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

An engineer is working on the Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera. Image Credit: NASA

NASA Explorer Schools held a live video chat on Dec. 13, 2011 with Danielle Margiotta who answered questions about how NASA engineers prepare satellites to endure the harsh environment of space.

Danielle Margiotta has to deal with a lot of junk. It's not like the type of junk sitting around in your garage or on your bedroom floor, but space junk. When NASA engineers prepare a satellite for launch, they have to consider many things. One of those things is how a satellite will function when it encounters dust, debris and space junk floating in space.

You are probably used to the excitement that comes with the launch of a satellite. But have you ever thought about the planning, building and testing that goes on long before the launch? This chat with Margiotta was a great opportunity for students to ask questions of a NASA engineer about how a satellite is prepared for the harsh environment of space.

Related Resources:
› Comprehensive list of NASA Engineering Design Challenges for your classroom
› NASA Real World/In World Design Challenge   →
› Desert Research and Technology Studies Home Page
› Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate   →