Algebra in the Real

World Lab
Algebra in Space: The Mathematics
of Launching the Space Shuttle

Algebra I
 Algebra in the Real World Lab

ALGEBRA IN SPACE
THE MATHEMATICS OF LAUNCHING THE SPACE SHUTTLE

BACKGROUND

Safety is a priority in space exploration and math plays a big part in making sure a space
shuttle launches and returns to Earth safely. Prior to each shuttle launch, NASA scientists
compile data which includes the shuttle’s mass, the amount of propellant that will be used,
and the mass of the payload being carried by the shuttle. This data is then put into a table
to illustrate what happens at each second of the launch and ascent into space.

The ascent of a space shuttle takes place from the point of liftoff until the shuttle reaches
orbit. During this ascent, which takes only 8.5 minutes, the shuttle must accelerate from 0
to 800m/s (approximately 18,000mph) in order to reach orbit. In order to ensure safety,
scientists must determine when throttle should be decreased in order to avoid reaching a
dynamic pressure great enough to damage the shuttle (known as critical Q) and when it
should be increased again once the shuttle reaches a point where the atmosphere is thin
enough to eliminate the dangers of reaching critical Q. If scientists are unable to determine
these points, the shuttle could either be damaged or run out of propellant before reaching
orbit.

ACTIVITY

Below is the projected data compiled Space

Shuttle Discovery’s launch from the Kennedy
Space Center for mission STS-121 on July 4, External
Tank
2006. As you can see in the data, the shuttle’s Solid Rocket Release
mass decreases significantly during its ascent. Booster Release 120km
This happens because as it ascends it burns a Liftoff 50km
-8m
huge amount of fuel and eventually releases its
solid rocket boosters (at an altitude of 50km) and
external tank (at an altitude of 120km). Use the
data to answer the same questions that NASA scientists do to help them make sure the
shuttle reaches orbit safely.

Modified from http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/264012main_Algebra_Stu_Shuttle.pdf

 Algebra in the Real World Lab

Ascent Data
Time (s) Space Shuttle Mass (kg) Altitude (m)

0 2,051,113 -8

10 1,935,155 241

20 1,799,290 1,244

30 1,681,120 2,872

40 1,567,611 5,377

50 1,475,282 8,130

60 1,376,301 11,617

70 1,277,921 15,380

80 1,177,704 19,872

90 1,075,683 25,608

100 991,872 31,412

110 913,254 38,309

120 880,377 44,726

1. Make a scatter plot of mass vs. time. What is the correlation of the data (positive,
negative, constant, or no correlation)?

2. Draw a line of best fit on your graph.

3. Find the equation of this line.

4. What is the slope of the line?

5. Now, create a scatter plot of altitude vs. time.

6. What kind of function do you think would best describe the graph of altitude vs.
time?

Modified from http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/264012main_Algebra_Stu_Shuttle.pdf