Basics of Space Flight Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Since Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages NASA projects that probe the deep space (translunar) environment of our solar system, operations people need to have an understanding of the basics of space flight in order to perform effectively at JPL.

This module is the first in a sequence of training modules that pertain to space flight operations activities. (See diagram below.) There is no prerequisite. This module is a prerequisite for the next in the sequence, "End-to-End Information System." (Note: The End-to-End Information System module is intended for JPL internal use only.)

The goal of this training module is to provide an aid for identifying and understanding the general concepts associated with space flight in general and deep space missions in particular. It offers a broad scope of limited depth, presented in 17 chapters. Specific learning objectives are listed at the beginning of each chapter in terms of what you are expected to be able to do upon finishing the chapter.

Acknowledgements

This document was prepared by the Mission Operations Section (391) Training Working Group, including Dave Doody and George Stephan. Diane F. Miller has done the technical editing, maintained the text and illustrations, and created this online version. Cozette Parker assisted with the initial hardcopy publication. Special thanks to reviewers Ben Toyoshima, Larry Palkovic, Carol Scott, Rob Smith, Dan Lyons, and Bob Molloy, and to field testers Kathy Golden, Steve Annan, Linda Lee, and Paul Porter for their valuable comments. Thanks to Roy Bishop (Physics Department, Acadia University, and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada) for his independent review.

Learning Strategy

As a participant, you access and work through this online workbook by yourself. It includes both learning materials and evaluation tools. The chapters are designed to be used in the order presented, since some concepts developed in later chapters depend on concepts introduced in earlier ones. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to complete it. What is important is that you accomplish all the learning objectives.

You evaluate your own progress in this training module. You are probably eager to learn about the subject, and so will want to evaluate your progress as you go. Accomplishing the objectives will be especially important if you plan to participate in the next training module in the sequence, "End-to-End Information System."

The frequent "Recap" (short for recapitulation) sections at the end of each short module will help you reinforce key points and help you evaluate your progress. They require you to fill in blanks. Please do so either mentally or jot them on a piece of paper. Answers from the text are shown at the bottom of each Recap.

If you have a question about any of the material in this workbook, please contact David F. Doody.

Help with Abbreviations and Units of Measure

Standard abbreviations for units of measure are used in this document. An extensive glossary of terms is provided.

Throughout this workbook, measurements are expressed in metric units. Here is a link to a table of metric to English conversions.

How to Get a Paper Copy

If you would like a printed copy of this document, you can download .pdf (portable document format) files. You can view or print the .pdf files using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

In addition, multiple printed, bound hard copies are available for a nominal cost from JPL's Library, Archives, and Records Section. E-mail elizabeth.a.moorthy@jpl.nasa.gov or phone (818) 397-7952.

Throughout this workbook, clicking on this icon takes you back to the Table of Contents, and clicking on this icon takes you to the next topic in the workbook.