The Geometry in Space Project

Sponsored by the Indiana Space Grants Consortium and Ball State University

	Orbital Mechanics: From Earth to Mars How do we pilot a ship from Earth to another planet? By using the geometry of ellipses we can find the fastest way to get to another planet - and it's not a straight line!
	Finding a place to land Since we can't count on the Martians to build us a landing site, we have to search the surface of Mars to find a place to land. We need a level place so the ship can land safely, but we also want to land near some interesting sites! Lets look at the mountains and valleys on Mars and pick a few landing sites that you think would be the best!
	Evaluating your landing sites Now that you've chosen a few landing sites, how do you decide which is the best? Lets look at local weather and the different kinds of minerals the surface of Mars is made up of and select the best of your sites.
	Mars in Perspective We have several different maps of Mars, and some of them make prominent features of the planet look different. We can use data from previous missions to create 3D-views of the ground so that we can see what the area around you landing site will really look like!
	Credits People and Organizations that have contributed to the Geometry in Space Program

Disclaimer: By using these materials, you acknowledge having read and understood this disclaimer. The Geometry in Space Project materials are presented on a strictly “as is” basis. No warranty is stated or implied relative to the accuracy of the content or the performance of the Geometry in Space technologies on any computer or computer network. Any problems or expenses that arise as a consequence using these materials are strictly the responsibility of the user.

Sponsored by the Indiana Space Grants Consortium and Ball State University

Table of Contents

Orbital Mechanics: From Earth to Mars How do we pilot a ship from Earth to another planet? By using the geometry of ellipses we can find the fastest way to get to another planet - and it's not a straight line!

Evaluating your landing sites Now that you've chosen a few landing sites, how do you decide which is the best? Lets look at local weather and the different kinds of minerals the surface of Mars is made up of and select the best of your sites.

Mars in Perspective We have several different maps of Mars, and some of them make prominent features of the planet look different. We can use data from previous missions to create 3D-views of the ground so that we can see what the area around you landing site will really look like!

Credits People and Organizations that have contributed to the Geometry in Space Program

Orbital Mechanics: From Earth to Mars
How do we pilot a ship from Earth to another planet? By using the geometry of ellipses we can find the fastest way to get to another planet - and it's not a straight line!

Evaluating your landing sites
Now that you've chosen a few landing sites, how do you decide which is the best? Lets look at local weather and the different kinds of minerals the surface of Mars is made up of and select the best of your sites.

Mars in Perspective
We have several different maps of Mars, and some of them make prominent features of the planet look different. We can use data from previous missions to create 3D-views of the ground so that we can see what the area around you landing site will really look like!

Credits
People and Organizations that have contributed to the Geometry in Space Program