Operation Montserrat

// Select Mission Type

Mission Briefing // Satellites // Volcanoes // Hurricanes // Montserrat // Mission Prep // Post-Mission

Overview of Teams

Volcano Team

Team Information

Monitoring Instruc.

Short Instructions

Data Sheets

VT/RF and Total Graphs

Report Forms

Hurricane Team

Team Information

Tracking Instruc.

Short Instructions

Data Sheets

Report Forms

Evacuation Team

Team Information

Orders Form

Comm. Team

Team Information

Media Team

Team Information

Maps for all Teams

Team Information

Overview of Teams
Mission day is September 4, 1996
Montserrat is the world’s most dangerous place

For this mission, you will join one of four crisis management teams and use your science knowledge and math skills to avert possible disaster. Eight thousand residents’ lives are in the balance. Your Satellite Team, Volcano Team and Hurricane Teams will rally to analyse the data and determine the risks to the people of the island. Your recommendations will then be presented to the Evacuation Team, who will determine a plan of action for saving the islanders.

Hurricane Team		Downloads data on the hurricane location and intensity from satellites; tracks the hurricane's path and speed and predicts the impact upon the island; forwards predictions to the other teams.
Volcano Team		Downloads and analyses seismic data from satellites; makes predictions of volcanic activity; forwards to the other teams.
Evacuation Team		Researches the Island of Montserrat in preparation for the threatening volcano and hurricane. Determines what evacuation procedures to relay to the island via Communications and Mission Control.
Satellite Team		Maintains constant satellite coverage of Montserrat; warns teams about any low value data due to satellite transmission failures.
Communications Team		Communicates all verbal and written communications between Mission Control and the other teams.
Media Team		Interviews team members; creates a record of the mission for future reports; collects emergency advice to be communicated to the island's residents.
Research Team		Researches information online on behalf of the other teams; forwards all inforamtion to the other teams to assist in decision making.

During the Mission
The mission begins when the space shuttle lifts off and the astronauts deploy a satellite as part of the network of satellites used in emergency monitoring situations. The satellite network immediately begins broadcasting data about the volcano and hurricane. Throughout the mission, the flight director at Challenger’s Mission Control is in live contact with your teams via video, audio, and a “chat window.” At the end of the mission, the flight director will conduct a post-mission briefing. The flight director reviews the event and gives your teams the opportunity to evaluate what you have learned.