Engineering: Designing solutions through the application of science and math.
Humans never would've launched rockets into space without engineering. Centuries of experimentation taught us how to propel objects up and out of Earth's atmosphere. But navigating the stars is a whole different ballgame.
Space exploration requires complex software engineering: running functioning space stations, charting galaxies across the universe, and training through space simulations are just a few.
We're big fans of little details, so let's explore space simulators and how they're progressing galactic exploration. For each category, we've selected one programming language to explore how it achieves the task.
Spacecraft Design
The more we can predict what a ship will need to endure, the better we can design it. Thanks to trial and error, spacecraft design has updated over time, and along with it, the development of software simulations.
Modeling Trajectories
Language in focus: Python
Rocket launches have come a long way from scientists like Wernher von Braun and the West Virginian Rocket Boys. Utilizing a computer system better guarantees that calculations will be accurate (aka faults can be almost solely chalked up to human error).
An ideal software language for simulating and modeling trajectories, Python has libraries including AstroPy, SciPy, and SPICE (from NASA's Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility). Python is widely considered to provide ease of use and extensive resources, making it ideal to model orbital mechanics and perform simulations to predict paths.
Adequate Materials
Language in focus: MATLAB
In addition to calculating what shape and style best suits a spacecraft, there are the mechanical properties of its materials to consider. The exterior of a spaceship needs to withstand harsh environmental situations but also be the appropriate strength and weight to ensure proper flight paths.
Engineers can use MATLAB to simulate material resistance, making it a key tool to determine which materials are appropriate for construction.
Mission Planning
Testing Scenarios
Language in focus: C++
Thanks to software engineering, teams are able to simulate various mission conditions, like environmental changes and spacecraft malfunctions. C++ is commonly used for this, developing real-time systems and simulation software. The language is known for its strong performance and low-level hardware control; The more accurate teams can simulate real conditions, the better.
Risk Mitigation
Language in focus: Java
Considering the cost of space travel, the massive teams required to manage it, the unpredictability, and the astronauts risking their lives, considering all of the risks is vital. Therefore, how do we model failure scenarios? How do we propose strategies to avoid them? These are accomplished with software that can handle large datasets and process complex operations. Java is portable and robust, meaning it can analyze risks, model failure scenarios, and (maybe most importantly) propose solutions.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Language in focus: Fortran These space-worthy machines are operating further away than ever before. With more distance comes more importance of accuracy, and the need for a computer to perform the best it can. Fortran is still a top choice for High-Performance Computing (called HPC for short), frequently used for intensive tasks like simulating spacecraft behavior in extreme conditions.
Astronaut Training
Gravity Simulations
Language in focus: C
Astronaut training includes plenty of practice in gravity simulators: Parabolic flight simulators, underwater training facilities, and g-force simulators often require custom-built software. The software needs to handle real-time control and integrate accurate physics (such as microgravity or lunar gravity). This makes the software language C a great contender.
VR and AR (Virtual and Augmented Reality)
Language in focus: C# (Unity)
The past decade has seen immense progress in the world of VR and AR. Developers can create immersive and interactive training environments to help prepare astronauts and mission control.
The goal for a software language in this field is to render real-time, reflect accurate physics, and connect cross-platform. Unity is one of the most widely-used engines for VR and AR simulations. The primary programming language for Unity is C#. It's easy to read, simple, efficient, and scalable, which all help programmers write and maintain complex code.
Emergency Situations
Language in focus: Lua
Simulations need to be as accurate and complex as possible, especially when planning emergency scenarios. Developers focus on choosing a programming language that provides real-time performance, accurate physics modeling, and robust systems integration. This makes Lua a great contender. It's a lightweight embedding scripting language, which helps it behave dynamically. Lua is often utilized in simulation engines to control events like spacecraft system failures and emergency evacuations.
Space Simulations in Summary
We've come a long way since the first launch from Cape Canaveral. Modern software engineering has the tools to help us model and plan every aspect of a space mission. From the ship design and materials to mission planning and astronaut training, developers simulate changes in gravity, weather, and expect the unexpected.
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