Assemble Your Crew
What’s an astronaut?
On a human mission to Mars, astronauts must endure darkness, low gravity and isolation. A lunar base could be used to prepare them for this, both physically and mentally.
What are some other ways that astronauts can prepare for space missions?
The flight commander is ready to go!
Pick her up from the lunar flight base, where she’s been preparing for the flight, and set her down at the base area.
Think of ways in which the robot could pick up the flight commander from the lunar flight base and set her down at the base area.
Brainstorm ideas for solving the mission.
You can split the main task into smaller subtasks, and brainstorm about questions like:
- Can you think of some ways in which the robot could navigate to the lunar base?
- Which type of motorised mechanism could be used to pick up the flight commander?
Build, program and test your robot.
Continue working on your robot until you’re ready to complete the mission.
Achievement Badges
The four levels of badges that you can earn for this mission are:
Platinum Badge
The mission is a success! Not only did you pick up the flight commander, but you returned in time for the launch. You also went beyond the mission requirements by adding features to your design. Great job!
Gold Badge
The mission is a success! Not only did you pick up the flight commander, but you returned in time for the launch. Pack your flight bag and jump in, we’ll be on Mars in no time!
Silver Badge
You’ve picked up the flight commander but you haven’t returned to the base area. Fortunately, it’s not a huge disaster. The second team got the job done and the shuttle can still launch as planned!
Bronze Badge
Disaster! You’ve picked up another mission specialist instead of the flight commander, who’s still there and wondering where you are. Never mind, you’ve done your best. We can delay the shuttle launch until the flight commander arrives.
Go for it!
Set up your robot in the base area and send it out for a judged attempt at this mission.
Mission Rules
Remember to follow these rules as you’re attempting to complete the mission:
- Your robot must always start the mission from the base area.
- Your robot must leave the base area before carrying out the mission.
- A ‘successful robot return’ occurs when any part of the robot crosses over any part of the base area line.
- You’re not allowed to touch your robot while it’s outside of the base area.
- If you touch your robot while it’s entirely outside of the base area and it’s holding an object, the object must be returned to its original position, and you must begin the mission again.
How did you do?
Which badge did you achieve? If you have enough time, you can try again for a better result.
The crew is complete and ready to go… and you’re on to your next mission!