Objective:The objective of this lesson is for the students to become familiar with the new Landsat-7 satellite.
Materials:
Landsat-7 satellite schematicLandsat-7 paper model kit. Copies of the Landsat-7 model pattern should be printed on heavy weight paper (60 lb) for proper assembly. These models were prepared by Paul Guy, the Electrical Systems Lead for Landsat-7 (Code 565, Electrical Systems Branch, NASA GSFC).
Paper cutout #2 - Equipment Support Module
Paper cutout #3 - Lower Equipment Module
Paper cutout #4 - Solar Array Wing
Paper scissors, tape.
Engagement
Get the students excited about putting together a paper model of Landsat-7. Describe the size and weight of the satellite. At launch, the satellite will weigh about 4,800 lbs (2,200 kg) and is about 14 ft long (4.3 m) and 9 ft (2.8 m) in diameter. The satellite will be placed in a circular orbit at 438 miles (705 km) above the earth. As the students are cutting out the paper model, describe the various components of the Landsat-7 satellite. Key components include:ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) instrument package. The ETM+ will acquire data in the visible, near infrared, middle infrared, and thermal bands. The spatial resolution is 49 ft (15 m) in the panchromatic band (the pan band covers a wide band of wavelengths, similar to standard black-and-white aerial photographs), 98 ft (30 m) in the visible, near infrared and middle infrared wavelengths, and 197 ft (60 m) in the thermal infrared band. ETM+ will image the earth in a 115-mile wide swath. The computer running the ETM+ receives instructions from the mission ground control folks. The computer translates these instructions and tells the ETM+ when to turn on and off to take the images.
The X-band antenna. The X-band antenna is used to receive instructions from the mission control folks on the ground. Daily commands are sent to the Landsat-7 spacecraft telling the ETM+ what images to record and when to downlink the image data, either to U.S. or international ground stations.
Solar array. A solar array is a collection of solar panels that work together to collect energy from the sun and is used to power the Landsat-7 satellite.
Launch of the Landsat-7 satellite was from the Western Test Range at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA, on a Delta-II Expendable Launch Vehicle. The launch occurred on 15 April 1999.
Exploration
Have the students find the various components of the Landsat-7 satellite, as described above.
Explanation
Formally introduce Landsat-7, its history, and its purposes (see Background of Landsat-7). Explain how the new satellite will help in monitoring the environment because it will provide global coverage of the entire Earth. The Landsat images allow them to see large areas (115 miles on a side, for example, the distance from Washington, D.C. to Ocean City, MD is about 115 miles and is about three hours in the car!). Also, Landsat-7 will become more affordable to the public (see Tips for Teachers) when compared to past pricing policies. About 100 images will be taken every day to use in developing a global archive of Landsat imagery.
Extension
Optional activities include using the internet to learn more about the Landsat-7 satellite. See the Internet Resources listed below.
Evaluation
A completed assembly will do! The students can display the model by suspending it from the ceiling using a piece of thread or fishing line.
Tips for Teachers
The first Landsat satellite was launched by NASA in July, 1972. Landsat-2 was launched in January, 1975 and Landsat-3 was launched in March, 1978. The second generation of Landsat satellites was developed to include the Thematic Mapper (TM) sensor. Landsat-4 was launched in July, 1982 and Landsat-5 in March, 1984. Unfortunately, Landsat-6 failed to reach orbit when launched in October, 1998. Landsat-5 continues to take images of the Earth's surface. Landsat-7 was launched on 15 April 1999.See additional information about Landsat-7 in the Background section.
The educational standards met in this lesson can be found in the Standards section.
Pertinent Internet Site
Basic facts Landsat-7Privacy Policy and Important Statements We welcome your questions and comments. Send e-mail to: merry.1@osu.edu
