DESIGN A 

CREW MODULE

Your Challenge

Design and build a crew module model that will 

secure two astronaut figures during a drop test.

Do First

Watch the instructional video for this module: 

go.nasa.gov/34hVUvL

Design Constraints

1) The crew module must safely carry two astronauts. You must design and build a secure 

seat for the astronauts, without gluing or taping them in place. The astronauts should 

stay in their seats during each drop test.

2) The crew module must fit into the container you chose. This item is simply for size

restraints. The crew module must not be dropped while inside the container.

3) The crew module must have one hatch that opens and closes easily. The hatch should

remain shut during all drop tests.

4) Your crew module design should consider mass and strength. Mass is important in

space travel. The heavier the crew module, the more expensive it is to build and,

ultimately, to launch. NASA is looking for a lightweight but strong crew module.

Ask and Imagine

Think of ways to safely secure two astronauts inside of the crew module.

• What types of materials will protect the astronauts?

• How can you reduce the impact on the crew module and astronauts?

• What essential elements are needed for crew safety?

LET’S GET STARTED!

1. Plan 2. Create

Draw your crew module design on blank Build a crew module that meets all 

paper. Be sure to label your design with design requirements using the materials 

the materials you will be using. collected.

3. Test and Improve 4. Share

• You will conduct two drop tests from a • Discuss the results of your experiment

height of 1 m. with the group.

• After each drop test,adjust the crew • What techniques did you use to reduce

module based on the results and test the mass of your crew module?

again. • What improvements did you make to

• Once a drop is successful from 1 m, your crew module based on your first

you will then drop the crew module test?

from at least 2 m.

National Aeronautics and

 Space Administration

Astronaut safety is of the highest 

importance. For Artemis missions, 

NASA’s Orion spacecraft must 

be able to support astronauts 

for weeks at a time and operate 

reliably in the harsh space 

environment.

Learn more: 

Orion Capabilities for Deep Space

Enabled Crewed Artemis Moon 

Missions

go.nasa.gov/2GEMBN1

Top 5 Technologies needed for a 

Spacecraft to Survive Deep Space

go.nasa.gov/2kGrjE3

https://go.nasa.gov/2F5h46f

Check out how you can join Artemis:

nasa.gov/joinartemis

www.nasa.gov
Design a Crew Module Drop Test Data Log

Use this data log to record the results of each drop test. Be sure to identify the units you are working with 

by adding units to the table headings. Engineers use the modern metric system.

Trial 

#

Drop 

Test 

Height

Units:____

Crew 

Module 

Weight 

Units:____

Results 

(What did you observe

after your test?)

How would you improve 

your design?

Keep in Mind, if you simply record “1” it could mean one of anything: 1 yard, 1 meter, 

1 mile, 1 millimeter. Ensure that you make your data clear to the reader.
DESIGN A 

CREW MODULE

Are you ready for a challenge? 

Design and build a crew module 

model that will secure two 2 cm 

astronaut figures during a drop test.

Student Materials List

Gather the following materials. If you can’t find all of them use your own creativity to 

think of additional building materials.

 General building supplies:

 1-2 paper or foam cups 

(8-12 ounces)

 1-2 paper or foam plates

 2-3 index cards

 Aluminum foil or plastic wrap 

(approximately 1 piece 12”x12”)

 Small cylindrical container (e.g., 

mailing tube, oatmeal canister, or 

coffee can) 

 Two 2-cm plastic figurines, 

(e.g., minifigures). If unavailable, 

marshmallows or other items 

will work.

 Tape

 Scissors

 Tabletop digital scale (optional)

 Meterstick, yardstick or tape measure

 Paper and pencil

The Orion spacecraft is 

built to take humans farther 

than ever before. Orion 

will launch on NASA’s 

new heavy-lift rocket, the 

Space Launch System, and 

transport crew to the Moon, 

and eventually to Mars.

Read about Orion at 

go.nasa.gov/3jF4QjH

Supplement to Activity Two: 

Design a Crew Module in the NASA 

Crew Transportation With Orion 

Educator Guide. (NP-2020-02-2805-HQ)

go.nasa.gov/33CqsHS

National Aeronautics and

 Space Administration

NASA’s Artemis mission will land 

the first woman and next man on 

the Moon by 2024! Using new 

technologies, NASA will explore 

regions of the Moon never visited 

before and establish a long-term 

human presence on the Moon. 

Astronauts will live and work there for 

weeks to months at a time. They will 

test technologies, conduct science 

experiments, mine resources, 

and learn how to live in extreme 

environments. This knowledge will 

help NASA take the next giant leap – 

sending astronauts to Mars.

NASA’s Artemis program is named 

after Artemis from Greek mythology.

Artemis is the goddess of the Moon 

and the twin sister of Apollo. 

Apollo was the name given to 

NASA’s first human Moon missions.

Check out how you can join Artemis:

nasa.gov/joinartemis

www.nasa.gov