Preparing for Mars

Mars may be the next addition to the list of places you can go! But there are a few items that need to be taken care of before blastoff. Mars is full of extreme features that stand in the way. What kinds of technology do we have now that will guide your way? What have scientists learned from the orbiters and rovers sent there? What's the plan if something goes wrong? Full-color photos show the risks and rewards that await explorers on Mars. 21st Century sidebars discuss technological advancements, hypothesize future endeavors and inventions, and solve problems and challenges astronauts might face. An activity at the end lets readers think about what they learned in a hands-on way.