Project Name : Predicting the Path of a Satellite
Theme Name : Mathematics Modelling
Objective/Aim: The basic objective of the exhibit is to predict the path of a satellite using mathematical formulas to substantiate the various laws of motion and Keplerian principles to arrive at the actual satellite path as observed in various studies through working model and a computer program.
Scientific Principles Involved:
Kepler’s Laws, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation, Theory of Vectors, Calculus, Trigonometry, Conic Sections
Materials used: Working Model: Arduino UNO R3 Micro-processor board, L293D Motor shield, DCGeared motors – 2 nos, Infrared sensors – 3 nos, DC 12V power, Robo – chasis, White ivory sheet – 6 nos, Black paint, Programming in Arduino C, Maya software, Visual Basic 6.0, MEL and Python for Computer Program
Working Investigation/Findings: Various equations relating to Keplerian laws, Newton’s laws were studied, correlated and included in the computerized package provided with the values which were based on certain parameters. The Maya software gave an insight on the changes in orbital path based on various variables inputted and further helped in.
Utility and Further Scope of Project: The project can be used to educate school children about satellites and inculcate scientific temperament and interest in space and research in them. The project will also help predict the type of conic the satellite will take on being released into an orbit.
It would help us design changes in orbits of satellites and the Maya program would arm the students with a real world 3D simulation of the theoretical principles of the orbiting satellites.
Name of the School: Vishwa Bharti Public School, Noida, GB Nagar.
