Mission Accomplished!
In this book, there is a full color picture on every page.
Your personalized data replaces words in red.
But will NOT be in red in the book.
This Book Is About You!
Zachary Richardson
Age 11
With Love From,
Mom
2004
Page 3
"Zachary, we want you to lead a scientific expedition to Saturn," announced the mission commander. "You'll be in charge of all teams on board." Zachary Richardson's heart raced with excitement. Team leaders Sally, David and Annette cheered, "You'll be a great captain!"
Page 4
The crew boarded the shuttle-like transporter and prepared for the launch. At T-minus three seconds, the crew members felt the vehicle begin to shake as the powerful engines roared to life. "Three, two, one, zero!" said Mission Control. "We have lift-off!"
Page 5
Zachary felt the increased g-forces push against his body. After the craft achieved Earth orbit, he loosened his harness and floated easily around the cabin. It wasn't long before the crew transferred to the main spacecraft that would take them to Saturn. As they fired its engines, Zachary addressed team leaders Sally, David and Annette: "With teamwork, our mission is sure to be a success!"
Page 6
Outside the spacecraft's window, glowing stars and planets seemed to beckon. Whenever the crew members glimpsed the bright, blue ball of Earth they were struck by its beauty. The Captain sighed. All the time spent learning math and science was finally paying off. The chance to study space firsthand was drawing near.
Page 7
Suddenly, an urgent call came from the Navigation team, which was monitoring the spacecraft's flight path. "Captain, we've got trouble!" the team leader exclaimed. "We're on a head-on collision course with a large piece of space debris." "Get a list of our alternatives," the Captain said.
Page 8
As soon as Sally, David and Annette's team compiled the list, Zachary rushed it to the head of the Communications and Data team. "Try to establish contact with Mission Control," Zachary said. "We'll need help choosing the best alternative." "Check," Sally responded.
Page 9
A loudspeaker hissed, "Captain Richardson, the space debris is huge. Raise the spacecraft five kilometers." Zachary turned to Sally, David and Annette, "We must act quickly," he said. "What is the status of our backup supplies?"
Page 10
The entire crew grew silent, nervously awaiting the report. "Captain Richardson," Sally said finally, "the water, oxygen, and power levels are OK." "What about food supply?" The Captain contacted the Remote Team. "Check the plants in the spacecraft's greenhouse," he said. The team took an inventory and reported, "Our food supply is adequate."
Page 11
Zachary called Navigation. "Changing course means we'll need new launch coordinates for the probe. They must still meet safety requirements." Sally, David and Annette began the calculations.
Page 12
As soon as all the information was in, Captain Richardson called a meeting with Sally, David and Annette. "Raising our orbit in a very short time could be very dangerous," the captain explained. "There's still a small risk we'll get hit." Sally, David and Annette decided the risk was worth it. "OK," Captain Richardson announced, "fire the onboard thrusters!" The spacecraft changed its course.
Page 13
Next Captain Richardson checked on Sally, David and Annette, who were busy assembling the probe's electrical components. When the crew members saw Zachary, they gave the thumbs-up sign. The Medical Team analyzed the captain's vital signs to study the effects of space on the human body. "You're in great shape, Captain Richardson," the team leader proclaimed.
Page 14
Just then, Zachary heard a startling crash. The spacecraft had been hit by a small object, probably a fragment from a piece of space debris. Was the crew in danger? Zachary contacted the Isolation Team leader. "Report, please."
Page 15
The news was good. "No major damage to the protective panels, Captain Richardson." Sally announced, "Captain, we're nearing the launch coordinates!" "Attention!" Zachary announced through the headset. "Prepare to deploy the probe."
Page 16
The countdown began. "Three, two, one...it's a go!" The crew members applauded as they tracked the speeding probe on their monitors. Suddenly, several of the spacecraft's computers sprang to life. They clicked and beeped as information and pictures flowed in. "Mission accomplished!" proclaimed Captain Richardson.
Page 17
Zachary knew that even after the experiments were finished, new questions about Saturn would arise. Many more voyages would be needed to unravel the mystery of outer space.
Page 18
"I'm proud to be part of such a talented crew," Captain Richardson said. "Each team member helped to achieve our goal." "We've got the best jobs in the world!" a team member exclaimed. "No," Zachary replied. "We've got the best jobs in the whole universe!"
