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 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 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 on questions like:
- Can you think of some ways the robot could navigate to the lunar base?
- Which type of motorized mechanism can 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 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 got back 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 got back in time for the launch. Pack your flight bag and jump in, we’ll be on Mars in no time!
Silver Badge
You’ve managed to pick up the flight commander but didn’t make the return trip 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 did 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 when you attempt 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 completely 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 get? If you have time, you can try again to get a better result.
The crew is complete and ready to go… on to your next mission!