The Moon Lander Challenge

Eigo Gachizei

 

This team’s basic moon lander module is triangle, and it is increased aerodynamic drag by attaching three cards to each side of the triangle.

I explain how to make this moon lander.

First, we wrap an index card around the paper cup to serve as a weight.

This process is also meant to flatten it.

    Second, we prepare four pieces of cardboard cut into triangle, and we attach the cardboard along the sides of the paper cup.

We make several slits in the cardboard and wrap rubber bands around them to secure it in place.

Third, we attach straws vertically to each of the cardboard.

Finally, we attach a marshmallow to the end of each straw.

The purpose of this is to absorb the shock of the straw when it touches the ground

 

This team has three difficult points in this challenge.

First, reducing the aerodynamic drag as much as possible.

Because, they need to drop the lander straight down.

Therefore, they made the shape of their lander vertically.

Second, they need to keep the lander off balance from side to side and front to back.

Because, a marshmallow falls off the lander when the lander loses balance.

Therefore, they mount each part in a symmetrical way.

Third, they prevent bouncing due to impact when it hits the ground.

Therefore, they attach straws and small marshmallows to the tips.

 

I think there is a few improvements to this team’s moon lander module.

It is to reduce aerodynamic drag so that it would fall straight down.

However, I think that the impact on the lander when it lands on the ground is greater if they reduce aerodynamic drag.

Therefore, I think They should increase aerodynamic drag in this lander.

 

1)     Uniqueness of design (7)

2)     Probability of success (7)

 

 

No.1

This team’s basic moon lander module is triangle, and it is increased aerodynamic drag by attaching three cards to each side of the triangle.

I explain how to make this moon lander.

First, we make a triangle to use three straws and three rubber bands and fit the cup into the triangle.

This is the foundation of this lander.

    Second, we attach index card on each side of the triangle.

Third, we tape 6 mini marshmallows on the back of the cup.

Forth, we tape 4 mini marshmallows to each corner of the cardboard.

At this point, we fixed a straw with tape so as to be parallel to the short side of the cardboard.

Finally, we add a regular marshmallow in the cup.

 

They chose this design because they want to increase air resistance and slow down the falling speed.

They thought that achieving them is necessary to succeed in the challenge.

 

This team has two difficult points in this challenge.

First, if they attach index cards directly to cups, air resistance lacks.

To solve this problem, they attach index cards on each side of the triangle made with three straws.

Second, they increase stability when the lander lands.

To solve this problem, they fixed the cup and cardboard fasten firmly.

 

I think their module is well thought out.

However, I think it is a waste of six marshmallows in this lander.

If it were me, I would also attach the remaining six marshmallows to the bottom of the cardboard.

 

1) Uniqueness of design (9)

2) Probability of success (9)

 

 

No.3

This team’s moon lander module was built based on a real lunar lander.

I explain how to make this moon lander.

First, we tape a paper cup to the center of the cardboard.

Second, we punch holes in four corners of the cardboard.

Third, we thread four straws through the holes and tape them in place.

Forth, we attach small marshmallows to the end of each straw.

Fifth, we placed the remaining small marshmallows on the bottom of the cardboard.

Sixth, we place three index cards evenly on the base.

 

They chose this design because they thought it would work because it mimics an actual lunar rover.

They thought that by putting marshmallows on the end of the straw, we could reduce the impact.

 

This team has three difficult points in this challenge.

First, they need to use all materials in this challenge.

To solve this problem, they attach rubber bands to cardboard.

Second, they chose the angle at which to insert the straw.

Third, reducing the impact.

To solve this problem, they attach small marshmallows to the end of each straw.

 

I think there is a few improvements to this team’s moon lander module.

I think that straws that stick out of the bottom of the cardboard need to be shorter.

Because I think lander is likely to be unbalanced when straws that stick out of the top of the cardboard need to be longer.

 

 

 

(1) Uniqueness of design (8)

(2) Probability of success (7)

 

 

 

Kira Kira Fliers

This team’s moon lander module is focused on absorbing shock.

I explain how to make this moon lander.

First, we place a paper cup to the center of the cardboard and index card to support the paper cup.

They use cello tape to place them.

Second, they arrange four straws in parallel on the cardboard.

Third, they put small marshmallows in between.

Finally, they join the first one with the next one using rubber bands.

 

They have two difficult points in this challenge.

First, they thought how to soften the impact when the moon lander lands.

Because the marshmallow falls if the impact cannot be softened.

Second, they drop the paper cup in a straight state.

Because the marshmallow falls out if the lander is unbalanced.

 

I think there is a few improvements to this team’s moon lander module.

I think that straws should also be used to absorb shock.

To do so, we need to attach straws and marshmallows to another surface.

 

(1) Uniqueness of design (7)

(2) Probability of success (6)