Mission: Mars
“ATTENTION, NEW RECRUITS . . . Your mission: Begin Basic Training to become a Future Mars Explorer.” That may sound like science fiction, but look who’s talking: planetary scientist Pascal Lee, chairman of the Mars Institute and director of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project. Referencing a plan to send humans to Mars around 2035, Pascal introduces future astronauts to the planet Mars, their training in Mars-like environments on Earth, their spacecraft, the voyage, the moons, the Mars landing, their equipment (spacesuit, habitat, ATV, and rover), and the possibility of terraforming the planet. The concise, informative text is tightly interwoven with excellent color photos, space images, and well-captioned diagrams of equipment. Every few pages, Pascal addresses readers directly in a boxed “Message from your training director” feature, challenging them to envision the practical steps that could someday lead them to Mars. Attractive and affordable, this large-format paperback offers facts, insights, and adventurous dreams for armchair space travelers. Grades 3-6. --Carolyn Phelan