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Cruise Activity

Worksheet 11

Worksheet 12

Worksheet 13

Worksheet 14

Worksheet 15

Worksheet 16

Worksheet 17

Worksheet 18

Worksheet 19

Worksheet 20

Cruise

11. Preparations for the Journey
This lesson introduces the steps taken by the astronauts and ground crew to prepare for their mission to Alpha Prime. Here elements of the training process are detailed.

12. Accelerating Out of the Solar System
This lesson takes place after launch, and students will learn about gravitational assist, and the actual geography of the solar system. Students are also introduced to the idea that these people will be the first members of the human race to leave the solar system.

13. Psychological Effects of the Journey
This lesson introduces the human factor. Since the Alpha One crew will be making such a long journey, elements for coping with the monotony are introduced. Virtual reality is introduced, as well as the possibility for scientific research outside of our solar system.

14. The Half Way Point
At the 'time' this lesson occurs, the crew of the Alpha One has crossed the half-way point and must now combat the steadily increasing anticipation associated with moving closer to something rather then farther away.

15. Getting Ready to Arrive and Explore
Much like Preparations for the Journey, this lesson follows the crew as they prepare to arrive at Alpha Prime. They begin to step up their training for the day when they arrive at Alpha Centauri.

16. Arrival At Alpha Centauri
This lesson details the orbital insertion process, and re-introduces the fictional Alpha Centauri solar system. The lesson addresses how the pilots must maneuver through the gravity wells and other obstacles to move into orbit over Alpha Prime.

17. Orbiting Alpha Prime
This lesson focuses on the operation of Alpha One as it moves into orbit over Alpha Prime. Now the crew is infatuated with the planet below, and the lesson addresses this by quoting several astronauts from when they were orbiting the planet Earth.

18. How does Alpha Prime Compare to Earth?
This lesson uses Earth as a counterpoint to describing Alpha Prime. Here conditions on Alpha Prime are detailed, and students will be able to learn a little about how our planet works as well.

19. Landing Area: Arcadia, Ishtar, and Avalon
This lesson details three specific areas on Alpha Prime, which are under consideration as landing sites for the crew to use on their first sortie onto the planet below.

20. Preparation For Descent- Systems and Craft
Here, details on how the crew intends to disembark from the ship and proceed down to the planet for their preliminary scouting mission are introduced. This is where the Eagle lander is introduced as the vehicle for the crew sent to first step foot on an entirely alien world in another solar system, and set up the first semi-permanent base camp.