To figure out the mass of the space craft and then select a rocket powerful enough to launch it to Mars.

payload
mass
units of measure
kilogram
lift capacity

Materials

pencil or pen, paper
"Launch Vehicle" cards
scissors to cut out the cards
tape

1.

Ask the Engineer for the mass of all of the surface equipment. Then ask the Flight Director for the mass of the flight equipment. Write these numbers down here, and add them together to get the total Payload Mass.

2.

Once you know the Payload Mass, calculate the amount of fuel it will take to send the spacecraft from Earth orbit to Mars, using the equation below.

Fuel Mass = (Payload Mass) × 2.5 =

3.

Now you can calculate the Total Mass of the spacecraft. Just add the Fuel Mass to the Payload Mass. Write the Total Mass down here (include the unit of measure).

4.

Choose the cheapest booster rocket that has enough lift capacity to carry the Total Mass you just calculated. Use the list below.

5.

Tell the Project Administrator the cost of the vehicle you choose.

6.

On Presentation Day, put the card with the rocket you chose on the Mission Planning Board.