Rendezvous with a Comet™

In the not too distant future, a team of scientists and engineers are on a daring mission to take an up-close look at a comet as it streaks its way across the galaxy. Their goal is to plot a successful course to rendezvous with the comet and launch a probe to collect scientific data on the object. They must first construct the space probe and then plot the correct intercept course. What seems at first to be a routine exploration is filled with challenges and emergencies. Each obstacle that stands in the way of a successful mission requires students to work together as a team and problem solve the solution. Recommended for grades 4 and 5.
Download Rendezvouz with a Comet Guide (pdf)

Return to the Moon™

The year is 2015. For the first time since 1972, a crew of astronauts is returning to the Moon. This time, they plan to stay.  Their mission is to establish a permanent base on the Moon to observe and explore, as well as test the feasibility of off-Earth settlements. Navigating their way into lunar orbit, students must construct and launch a probe, and analyze a variety of data gathered from the lunar surface to select a site for establishing the permanent Moon base. Students begin a new era in human planetary explorations during their mission to Return to the Moon. Recommended for grades 6 and 7.
Download Return to the Moon Guide (pdf)

This space mission simulation sponsored locally by Shell.

Voyage to Mars™

In Earth years, it is 2076. A now routine Voyage to Mars has brought the latest human crew into Martian orbit. Control of the incoming flight has been transferred from Houston's Mission Control to Mars Control at Chryse Station. The crew arriving from Earth on the Mars Transport Vehicle has been specially trained to replace the existing crew of astronauts, which has manned Mars Control for the past two years. After arriving on the Martian surface, the team will collect and analyze a number of planetary samples and data. This information is vital to scientists and explorers for a better understanding of the Red Planet. Recommended for grades 8 - 12.
Download Voyage to Mars Guide (pdf)