16.00x Measurable Outcomes Index
This index provides the links associated to each of the measurable outcomes for the course. By clicking on a measurable outcome below, you will see the content you can use to learn about that measurable outcome and the content that we use to assess your understanding of that measurable outcome. Please note that while future content will be indexed here, some links may not work until the content has been officially released.
Unit 1: Introduction to 16.00x
MO 1.0: A student completing 16.00x will have learned about numerous topics in aerospace engineering |
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MO 1.1: Discuss the relationship between science and engineering, including why they are different as well as how each depends on the other |
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MO 1.2: Identify the sub-disciplines that are critical to aerospace engineering |
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MO 1.3: Describe the basic steps of the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) engineering process |
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MO 1.4: Explain how aerospace engineering has transformed humanity’s perspective of our own planet and the solar system |
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Unit 2: Rocket Science
MO 2.1: Describe the basic principles of rocket propulsion and explain the different forces acting on a rocket |
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MO 2.2: Identify the different types of rocket propulsion systems and describe the operating principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each system |
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MO 2.3: Apply the Ideal Rocket Equation to calculate the performance of single- and multi- stage rockets |
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MO 2.4: Explain why rocket staging is important for achieving Earth orbit |
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MO 2.5: Describe the basic concept of a control feedback loop that keeps a rocket flying along the desired trajectory |
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MO 2.6: Explain the unique structural requirements for rockets |
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Unit 3: Environmental Control and Life Support Systems
MO 3.1: Identify the basic requirements for humans to stay alive and healthy in space |
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MO 3.2: Define open-loop and closed-loop ECLSS and explain the key distinctions between the two modes |
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MO 3.3: Explain the basic principles of thermal control in the spacecraft environment |
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MO 3.4: Describe the various ways in which oxygen can be provided for the spacecraft atmosphere |
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MO 3.5: Describe the various ways in which carbon dioxide can be removed from the spacecraft atmosphere |
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MO 3.6: Describe how trace contaminants are removed from the spacecraft atmosphere |
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MO 3.7: Describe how water is purified and recycled in the spacecraft environment |
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MO 3.8: Explain the concept of "ECLSS equivalent mass" |
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Unit 4: Orbital Mechanics
MO 4.1: Apply Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation to describe the behavior of objects in circular orbits |
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MO 4.2: Describe Kepler's Three Laws of Planetary Motion and discuss their implications |
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MO 4.3: Describe the relationship between orbital size and orbital energy |
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MO 4.4: Explain the difference in orbital energy between open and closed orbits |
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MO 4.5: Define escape velocity and describe the relationship between the orbital velocity close to the surface of a celestial body and the escape velocity from that body |
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MO 4.6: Describe how a Hohmann Transfer can be used to change the altitude of an orbiting spacecraft |
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MO 4.7: Explain why it is difficult to change the inclination of a spacecraft's orbit |
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MO 4.8: Explain how the latitude of a launch site affects orbital inclination and the amount of payload that can be put into orbit |
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MO 4.9: Describe the principles of orbital rendezvous and the distinction between ideal and actual rendezvous |
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MO 4.10: Define gravity assist and explain its importance for interplanetary travel |
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Unit 5: Microgravity and Space Physiology
MO 5.1: Define "microgravity" and explain why gravity on its own does not produce weight |
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MO 5.2: Identify the different types of research that are enabled by the weightless environment of space |
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MO 5.3: Understand the threat of syncope (fainting) when astronauts return from space |
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MO 5.4: Describe the effects of weightlessness on the body's ability to regulate blood pressure |
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MO 5.5: Describe the fluid shift in the body that occurs when transitioning between Earth gravity, the weightlessness of space, and back again |
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MO 5.6: Explain the "anemia" associated with spaceflight |
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MO 5.7: Describe the effects of weightlessness on muscles |
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MO 5.8: Describe the effects of weightlessness on bones and the relationship to osteoporosis (bone calcium loss) |
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MO 5.9: Discuss the three ways in which humans perceive their orientation and motion and how each of these ways is affected by weightlessness |
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MO 5.10: Explain the sensory conflicts in space that may contribute to "space motion sickness" |
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MO 5.11: Discuss the countermeasures that have been developed to mitigate the adverse effects of weightlessness on the circulatory system, the musculoskeletal system, and the neurophysiological system |
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MO 5.12: Identify the two types of space radiation and explain why each type poses risks to human spaceflight |
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Unit 6: Extravehicular Activity
MO 6.1: Identify the basic requirements for humans to stay alive in a space suit |
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MO 6.2: Identify the basic requirements for humans to do useful work in a space suit |
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MO 6.3: Explain the relationship between space suit pressure and mobility |
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MO 6.4: Explain the relationship between space suit pressure and the risk of decompression sickness |
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MO 6.5: Discuss the importance of proper tools, training, and a stable work platform for efficient EVA work |
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MO 6.6: Describe the key steps in preparing for and carrying out a spacewalk |
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MO 6.7: Identify the limitations of traditional space suits, and describe how ongoing research in space suit design can help address some of these challenges |
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MO 6.8: Explain the importance of robotics in spaceflight and space exploration |
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Unit 7: System Safety
MO 7.1: Describe the traditional approach to component reliability and explain the difference between "reliability" and "safety" |
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MO 7.2: Discuss the role of software in system safety and explain why component-based reliability analysis is inadequate for managing software risks |
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MO 7.3: Discuss the role of humans in system safety and explain the importance of human interactions with hardware and software systems |
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MO 7.4: Explain the differences between the "traditional view" and the "systems view" of human factors |
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MO 7.5: Describe how accident investigators apply deductive reasoning to determine the cause(s) of an accident |
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