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How to Use the Slider Map

The slider map consists of a world map and a clear plastic overlay with an orbit ground track printed on it. The map and the overlay will be provided by KidSat. You will use the slider map to find the shuttle's path over the ground. 

To Use the Slider Map:

1. Lay the World Map out on a flat surface, and secure it with tape at the corners. 

2. Align the overlay on the map so that the center dashed lined coincides with the equator on the World Map. 

3. Slide the overlay to set the descending node at the longitude corresponding to the longitude of the descending node of the orbit you are interested in (during the mission, you will find a list of STS-81 Kidsat orbits, with the longitudes of their descending nodes, on the SMOC Status web page). 

After you have set the descending node at the proper longitude, check that the center dashed line is still aligned with the equator on the World Map. 

4. Tape the slider map in this position. The orbital track now displays the ground track on the World Map. 

Note: If the descending node occurs at longitudes located toward the edge of the map, much of the orbital path may be off the edge of the map; you can solve this problem by repositioning the slider (and noting that longitude 90°E is shown at both the far left and far right on the map)

1. With a waterbased ink marker, mark on the slider map where the orbit intersects 90°E longitude. 

2. Slide the overlay to the left or right until the marked point coincides with the other 90°E longitude line. 

Once the slider map is taped in place on the world map, it shows you what part of the world the shuttle will pass over on the orbit you have chosen.

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