The IMAGE satellite's construction involves a number of different instruments. These instruments are analyzed to determine the dimensions that will provide the most efficient satellite while minimizing the weight and cost.
In order to help you understand the possible factors involved in the dimensions, mass and cost; complete the following activities.
1. Calculate the dimensions of the following instruments and spacecraft components:
| Instrument | Dimension | Double | Triple | Quadruple |
| LENA | 8100 | 64800 | 219700 | 518400 |
| MENA | 8100 | 64800 | 218700 | 518400 |
| HENA | 9000 | 72000 | 243000 | 576000 |
| TAC/ADC | 1620 | 12960 | 43740 | 103690 |
| HV Electronics | 2592 | 20736 | 69984 | 165888 |
| Spectrometer | 35712 | 285696 | 964224 | 2285568 |
| WB Camera | 5070 | 40560 | 136890 | 324480 |
| Electronics | 5400 | 39400 | 129600 | 307200 |
| Sensors | 2250 | 18000 | 60750 | 144000 |
Note: 'The dimensions for the instruments are in centimeters.
2. When the dimensions of the satellite are doubled, by what factor is the size increased? What factor is the increase when the dimensions are tripled and quadrupled?
Answer = 8,27, 64
3 . Is there any noticeable connection between two or more of these factors of increase?
Answer = Doubling and quadrupling are multiples of each other, and the results of 8 and 64 are
multiples as well
4 . The mass of the IMAGE satehfite increases proportional to the volume. If the dimensions are
doubled, the mass increases by the cube of the factor or 2x2x2=8. The mass of the satellite is 66. 1 kg.
Determine the mass increase when the dimensions are doubled, tripled and quadrupled.
Doubled = 528.8 kg
Tripled= 1784.7 kg
Quadrupled= 4230.4 kg
5. The cost of the satellite also increases proportional to the mass. The cost for the original
dimensions is $28.4 million. What is the cost for each of the various increases?
Doubled= $227.2 million
Tripled= $766.8 million
Quadrupled= $1.818 billion
6. In your own words, please write the process involved in determining the dimensions, mass and
cost of the IMAGE satellite. Why would a scientist want a 'bigger' satellite?
Answer =
Students response will vary. The bigger the satellites the more information that is being
sent to the scientists. Bigger does not necessarily mean better.