MLX-05Complete lessonSpecialist workbenchOptional KidSAT extension
Stabilise the Spacecraft
Grade 6 · Grade 7 · Grade 8 · Grades 9–10 · Grades 11–12 · University · Physics · Mathematics · Computing
Measurable learning outcomes
- 1By the end of this mission, the learner will be able to predict which setting will bring the spin to rest, and demonstrate this by recording that prediction before either run.
- 2By the end of this mission, the learner will be able to compare the fastest spin reached under each setting, and demonstrate this by citing both peak rates.
- 3By the end of this mission, the learner will be able to identify which setting brought the spacecraft to rest and which did not, and demonstrate this by citing the settling result for both.
Concepts and evidence
Concepts: target minus measurement
- angle-time/performance plots + criterion-based recommendation
- engineering decision
- evidence provenance statement
- model limitation
Teacher preparation
- Timing
- 55–70 minutes for the complete seven-stage pilot mission
- Vocabulary
- target minus measurement
- Differentiation
- Use visual comparison and sentence starters for younger learners; reveal quantitative evidence progressively.
- Assessment
- Review the prediction, evidence selection, engineering decision and limitation. This is formative CubeSTEM programme evidence, not an external accredited grade.
Extend with KidSAT
Compare overshoot, settling time and steady-state error for a supervised one-axis hold profile.
Supervised operator and physical kit required. Measured correlation remains commissioning pending until Phase 14 evidence passes.
Availability and next step
Engineering limitations
- Do not mix undeclared F2 teaching truth with ADCS v2 0.6.0.
- Do not claim: adcs v2 is this lab.
- Do not claim: measured control.