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European Space Agency (ESA)
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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.
ATV – Johaness Kepler
This video explains the historical context of observations and the different models of the solar system, that led to Kepler’s theories of elliptical planetary orbits. Both the Copernican and Ptolemaic models required the use of epicycles to explain retrograde motion. Kepler spent six years developing his three laws, which are outlined in the video, with supporting animations. One of the Automated Transfer Vehicles is named after Kepler. Anu Ojha explains how the ATV gradually changes its orbit to enable it to dock with the International Space Station. He also explains how the small atmospheric drag of the International Space Station (ISS) causes it to lose height, and how the ATV boosts the ISS into a new orbit.
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