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Brenn and Dara, along with other Space Camp kids, filed into the small spacecraft Scout. The tour guide began his talk.
"You are very lucky to see the inside of the ship. Liftoff is tomorrow, and all supplies and technical equipment are already on board. The mission will explore all the other planets in our solar system, even those with very dangerous environments. For over a century, since the beginning of crewed space flight, most scientists have believed that none of these planets can support life. Now Earth astronauts can see if the scientists are right.
"Scout has new equipment, including heat, acid, and subarctic shields. The ship has high wind deflectors and an ultra-strong framework to withstand crushing atmospheric pressure. Plants on board help make a biosphere, and solar panels will collect energy. Beyond the airlock is a vehicle bay with a lander, robotic arm, and crewed maneuvering units. The supply room has special spacesuits, parachutes, and tools.
"On this mission, we will not assume that other life forms must have needs like ours. Now we will look for life that may be very different from us, that survives in environments deadly to us." Most of the group followed the guide through the exit hatch.
To his twin sister, Brenn said, "Dara, don't touch those controls." Dara replied, "I'm sure they're protected with safeguards. They probably have fingerprint-activated releases. I learned the takeoff sequence for this kind of control panel last week." She flipped switches and pressed keys. Messages flashed across a screen: UNDOCKING ROUTINE COMPLETED. HATCHES SECURED. LIFTOFF IN TEN SECONDS.
"Dara," Brenn whispered, "you'll get us in trouble."
"Okay, okay," Dara said, rising from the pilot's seat. But the exit hatch would not open. Suddenly, the spacecraft jolted and rocketed upward. Brenn and Dara's eyes filled with surprise as they floated toward the ceiling. The Scout had passed beyond Earth's gravity.
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Answer the questions below.
1. Why did Brenn and Dara float toward the ceiling after takeoff?____________________
2. What is gravity?____________________________________________________
3. Why do you think special equipment will be needed to explore other planets? _________
_______________________________________________________________
How are those planets different from Earth?________________________________
4. List the planets in our solar system in order, starting with the one closest to the Sun and
ending with the one farthest away. Look at the unit poster to find their names.__________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. When do you think Brenn and Dara's story takes place?________________________
Writing Assignment: What should Brenn and Dara do next? On the back of this sheet, write an ending for this chapter of their story.