Mission Proposal Analysis Essay

The proposal defines clearly their mission. It mentions the number of times the space shuttle will encompass the moon (10-30 times). The reasons for choice of location are missing. There is information about companies who have shown interest in the similar mission. However, there is no mention of any company/firm already performing the same task. There are no previous missions in the place. No similar mission has taken place. It outlines intentions made by companies for similar missions. No company has explored the area. Only preliminary plans for exploration are present. DSI plans and intentions are only at prospect level but no actual researches in space.

The space shuttle for the mission is an orbiter. It is not necessary for the shuttle to land in space but must be able to collect asteroids. The collection method of the asteroids is missing. How long the collection will take is missing. Information on the desired quantity of asteroids required before returning to earth is missing. There is no information on the skills and crew requirements for the mission. The proposal mentions the instruments needed for the mission. The conditions necessary for attachment of asteroids is present in the report. The proposal gives details about how the shuttle will remain in space utilizing the moon’s gravitational pool. 

The proposal does not have scientific questions. The paper shows the benefits of the exploration but does not address any scientific issues. The article does not mention the duration/time it will take to complete a mission. There is the presence of a mystery and its relevance. However, the paper does not give any challenges it might experience during the mission.

Mission proposal B: Exploring Tectonics on Venus

Rank: Four (4)

There is the existence of scientific question. The primary goal of the mission is exploring reasons for tectonic activity in Venus. The proposal identifies the location of the exploration. There is information and facts about Venus already gathered from previous investigations. The project contains elaborate details on prior research and their findings.  The duration will take to complete the task (5yrs) is well specified. There is mention of a mystery requiring solving.

The proposal contains the specific type of spacecraft/ shuttle for the mission. It will use a landing craft specifically a rover. Vital equipment to use such as radar and drilling tools elaborated. The specific locations and conditions of target locations are well developed. The scientific value of the exploration is missing. The results from previous missions give a clear understanding of missing information. The earlier studies form a basis for the current research to take place in Venus.

There is no information how they will utilize data retrieved. The proposal does not show how the results of research are relevant to the mission. The process required analyzing the thickness and composition of Venus’s crust is missing. There is no unit of measurements in the study.  The significance of examining craters in Venus is missing. Information regarding the choice of location is missing. The proposal concentrates much on previous missions. It does not show how it will utilize available data for the benefit of their mission.

Mission Proposal C: Exploring a Black Hole

Rank: Three (3)

The proposal is detailed. It gives reasons for the study. There is clear information on the strides that the ESA and NASA have made in uncovering the mystery of the dark hole. There is specific information about location of the research. The prevailing conditions in the area of study are not available. The particular goal of the mission is to discover information that the previous exploration failed. They will achieve their objectives by using the new technology of the X-ray telescope. The purpose of the mission is significant because it will explain how black holes originate. It will also clarify how accelerated particles differentiate in brightness in a specified duration. The proposal is realistic due to the advancement of technology

They mention the type of shuttle required. The project gives specific information on how the data retrieved is relevant. Earth becomes the place for data processing. There is information about instruments required like GPS and radar.

The proposal is detailed. However, it does not mention the duration of time the mission will require for completion. There is no scientific question proposed that the task will try to answer. The proposal does not give a breakdown on how they will use funds provided. There is no specific amount of funds required for the project leaving it opens for the NASA to decide. There exists lack of information about the availability of a team that will ensure delivery of a successful mission. The challenges that are likely to be experienced before, during and after the purpose lacks in the information provided.

Mission D: Saturn Explorer

Rank: Two (2)

The proposal is detailed. It outlines the purpose of the previous missions and their achievements. It utilizes the goals of the earlier missions to spot a gap of relevant missing information. It gives details on the process the task will use. The instruments necessary as the radar system to relay information are present. Many data is present on how they will use five transmitters to convey information. There is a clear correlation between the methods used in the past and their current plans. It defines terms like Aerogel that is essential for their mission.

The proposal outlines accomplishments required before they return to earth. However, the duration they intend to take before returning to land is missing. Although there is no scientific question that is poised, there is a clear understanding of the goals/objectives of the mission. Information on possible risks and challenges they are likely to face is missing. Information about the prevailing conditions of area of study is missing.

The mission is relevant because it assists in explaining how the solar system originated. However, the proposal would require more in-depth information on how data processing takes place in their labs. They should mention all the requirements and workforce necessary for a direct mission. A proposed amount of time for completion of the project lacks in the proposal. The paper is conclusive and shows when they will return to earth. They mention the course of action required upon reentry on earth. There is no mention of a team tasked to ensure the mission is required.

Mission E: Extremophiles on Europa

RANK:  One (1)

The proposal contains a clearly defined scientific question that it intends to answer. They give information about a specific objective for their mission. They describe a particular location to carry out their study. They provide a reason for why they choose Europa as their designated location to carry out their research. It elaborates current facts about microbial life in the harsh environment. The proposal indicates a research item (water) that they will analyze. Their mission is relevant because it seeks to answer questions that science has been unable to give conclusive evidence up-to-date.

There is information about the challenges their team face as they prepare for this mission. It explains the likely problems to be experienced during travel, data collection and landing. The proposal guarantees a possibility to eliminate challenges facing the task. It takes into consideration valuable lessons got from previous NASA mission. The project shows a relationship between the problems experienced in the Spirit and Opportunity exploration and their current task. The proposal indicates the presence of a competent team that will carry out the mission. The present team is capable of building all the required equipment. The plan outlines previous experience they gained from missions on Mars.

The mission is relevant because it will help in assisting in reducing future errors in space explorations. This proposal is details how they will achieve their goals. However, the mission does not specify the duration of time it intends to carry out their mission and research. The funding required lacks specifications. The proposal gives a clear understanding of the objectives and procedures of achieving the goals.