There are numerous examples of unmanned spacecraft, designed to meet specific applications and missions, ranging from testing and evaluation of system performance to exploration. For this activity, investigate three examples of unmanned spacecraft designs from the following periods (one from each):

• 1950s-1970s
• 1980s-1990s
• 2000-present

Research, identify, and analyze the following:

Important Tip: Key Proposal Points

• Purpose of the design, including driving factors that led to development
• Design, including: a) functional capabilities, b) architecture, and c) unique components and elements
• Differences with contemporary manned spacecraft capability and designs of the time, including benefits, limitations, and rationale justifying use

After conducting your three historical analyses, investigate emerging (new) needs that unmanned spacecraft may be well suited to support to propose a conceptual design to meet one or more, such needs. Clearly identify and support the perceived need with a high-level design, including presentation of architectural overview (subsystems to major elements), discussion of unique elements/components, and explanation of rationale supporting proposal.

This paper should be written in the most recent APA format, feature at least 12 total references (three per historical period and three for proposal), include at least 1,000 words, and feature the headings listed in this document.

Save your assignment using a naming convention that includes your first and last name and the activity number (or description). Do not add punctuation or special characters. Submit your assignment by the end of the module week.

Your paper will automatically be evaluated through Turnitin when you submit your assignment in this activity. Turnitin is a service that checks your work for improper citation or potential plagiarism by comparing it against a database of web pages, student papers, and articles from academic books and publications. Ensure that your work is entirely your own and that you have not plagiarized any material!

Rubric

ASCI 530 8.3 Writing Assignments Rubric V2ASCI 530 8.3 Writing Assignments Rubric V2CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAnalysis / Interpretation / ApplicationThe writing is demonstrative of student selection and performance of appropriate analysis, evaluation, and/or synthesis of material relevant to the subject topic. Topical focus and relevancy is identified and includes conclusions or recommendations. In addition, it demonstrates that the student has gained understanding of the topic beyond the information presented in the readings.40.0 ptsExceeds Standards36.0 ptsMeets Standards32.0 ptsDoes Not Meet Standards40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSupporting ReferencesChose supporting references with clearly identifiable and comparable information applicable to the topic.30.0 ptsExceeds Standards27.0 ptsMeets Standards24.0 ptsDoes Not Meet Standards30.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle & MechanicsUses proper APA citations and reference formatting; grammatically-sound and free of spelling errors, follows required formatting rules, including required word count; and fully addresses given assignment.30.0 ptsExceeds Standards27.0 ptsMeets Standards24.0 ptsDoes Not Meet Standards30.0 pts
Total Points: 100.0