Computer Science Skill Builder: Space Data and Systems

Space Skill Builder

Adult Education Computer Science Space Skill Builder Advanced 5 Questions 21 Views

Classroom Worksheet

Computer Science Skill Builder: Space Data and Systems

Space Skill Builder

Name____________________________

Date________________

Score______ / 5

Grade: Adult Education

Subject: Computer Science

Topic: Space

Time: 20 Minutes

Difficulty: Advanced

Questions: 5

Instructions:
Read each question carefully and answer in complete sentences or with clear calculations/code when needed. Show your reasoning for each response. The questions increase in difficulty.

Skills Practiced:

Space
Computer Science
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving

1Question

A space probe sends back the following daily data file sizes: 12 GB, 15 GB, 11 GB, 14 GB, and 18 GB. What is the average file size, and why might averages be useful when planning data storage for a mission?

2Question

A spacecraft uses a binary telemetry packet where the first 4 bits represent a system ID. Convert the binary value 1011 to decimal, and explain what a 4-bit field can represent in a computer system.

3Question

A Mars rover records temperature every hour and stores it in an array. Describe an algorithm that finds the highest temperature in the array and explain its time complexity.

4Question

A satellite must send images to Earth, but bandwidth is limited. Compare lossless compression and lossy compression for this mission data. Which would be better for scientific image analysis, and why?

5Question

Design a simple high-level system for a deep-space probe that collects sensor data, stores it locally, and transmits it when communication is available. Name at least three components or processes, explain how they interact, and describe one way the system should handle intermittent connectivity.

Answer Key

#	Answer
1	Average file size = (12 + 15 + 11 + 14 + 18) ÷ 5 = 70 ÷ 5 = 14 GB. Averages are useful because they give mission planners a typical data amount to estimate storage needs, bandwidth, and download schedules.
2	1011 in binary equals 11 in decimal. A 4-bit field can represent 16 possible values, from 0 to 15, which is enough for small sets of system IDs, flags, or status codes.
3	One algorithm is to set the first value as the current maximum, then scan the rest of the array one item at a time. If a value is larger than the current maximum, replace the maximum with that value. After checking all values, the maximum is the highest temperature. This takes O(n) time because each element is checked once.
4	Lossless compression reduces file size without removing any information, so the original data can be perfectly restored. Lossy compression reduces file size more by removing some information, which can slightly change the image. For scientific image analysis, lossless compression is better because it preserves exact details needed for accurate measurements and detection.
5	A simple system could include: (1) sensor modules that collect data, (2) onboard storage such as a buffer or database to save readings, and (3) a communication module that sends data to Earth when a link is available. The sensors write data to local storage continuously. A scheduler or communication manager checks for contact windows and sends queued data in batches. If connectivity is lost, the system should keep storing data locally and mark unsent packets for later retransmission to avoid data loss.