The Basics of Space Flight

How do you get to another planet? Can gravity assist you? What is universal time? How do spacecraft communicate?

If you’ve ever wondered how NASA accomplishes all of its incredible feats in space, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has the answers for you.  Written and managed by JPL’s Dave Doody, The Basics of Spaceflight website offers a tutorial that provides a broad overview of the different aspects of a deep space mission.

NASA has made launching and operating satellites in deep space appear routine, but it is truly an incredibly complex and challenging endeavor.  This tutorial gives a real appreciation for the work that thousands of scientists and engineers do every single day. Whether you’re interested in the space environment, gravity mechanics, navigation, communication, or mission operations, the Basics of Spaceflight is surely an interesting and informative read.

Check out the Basics of Space Flight here: http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/index.php

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