Extra Credit Research Assignment Due No Later Than June 8, 2017
40 Points Possible
Why Explore Space?
America’s space missions have been lead by NASA – the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA's stated mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. Its missions have included placing satellites in orbit, sending space probes to investigate many of the celestial bodies in our solar system, manned space missions, and work on the international space station.
Think about past space missions you are familiar with. Which do you think were most important? Why? What missions should NASA be considering for the future? Your assignment, if you choose to accept it, is to research NASA’s space missions; consider options for the future; and choose and defend the option you think NASA should make their priority in space exploration.
You will be preparing a two-page, type-written statement advising NASA as to which space exploration project should become their top priority and why, using evidence you collect during your research to support your position. Possible missions include (but are not limited to):
*returning to the moon
*sending a manned mission to Mars
*further developing the space station for permanent habitation
*building a colony on the moon or Mars
*sending probes to Titan or Europa to explore for life
*sending a manned mission to other worlds in search of life
Possible web sites to research:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1407363 - NPR documentary on future of human space flights.
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/features/jfk_speech.html - President Kennedy challenges NASA.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/main/griffin_why_explore.html - NASA answers “Why explore space?”
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/mmb/why_moon.html - Why we should return to the moon?
http://www.npr.org/2012/02/27/147351252/space-chronicles-why-exploring-space-still-matters - Article by Neil DeGrasse Tyson on why space exploration is still relevant
Your paper must include:
An introduction including the name and purpose of the space exploration program you think should have the highest priority for NASA (ex. manned mission to the moon; collect information necessary to build a space station on the moon);
At least THREE valid examples of information we will gain from this exploration and why this information is important and/or useful;
A closing statement reinforcing your reasons for prioritizing this exploration program;
Sources (3 total) need to be cited in MLA format, (on the 3rd page)
Use font Times new roman and size 12
(Double Spacing)
· Papers must be submitted by 06/05/17 to http://turnitin.com/. No late papers will be accepted.
· Class ID is 15329414 password is vargas; all lower case letters.
· Should have less than a 20% match.