Robots Exploring Space

In 1976, Viking 1 became the first spacecraft from Earth to land on Mars. For the first time, scientists were able to see the surface of the red planet! Since then, NASA and other space organizations have sent other probes to Mars and have learned a lot. Readers find out all about the robots created especially for the task of exploring Mars through detailed diagrams, full-color photographs, and interesting main content. Including information about STEM careers and the background of planning a space mission using robots, this book engages readers with exciting STEM content and careers.

NASA has now sent a robot beyond our solar system-and another is on its way! Through detailed, fascinating main content and sidebars, readers learn about the process of creating the technology for the amazing Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes. Their unique features are described, and full-color photographs and illustrations further showcase the impressive abilities of these robots. This book introduces the many STEM careers important to the Voyager missions as well as the long-term future of these probes. Readers today could be the Voyager scientists of tomorrow!

What's the difference between an asteroid and a planet? Scientists struggled with this question for many years with regard to Ceres. Today, it's called a "dwarf planet" and because of the Dawn Probe, we know a lot about it! Robots have many cool features that bring the far reaches of space to scientists on Earth, and readers learn about the amazing technology the Dawn Probe used to explore Ceres. Up-close photographs and full-color illustrations complement detailed, interesting content that teaches readers about the use of space robots from the idea and building stages to their launch and exploration.

Scientists first started talking about sending a robot to orbit Saturn in the 1980s! However, it wasn't until 1997 that the Cassini Probe launched. Readers learn not only about how the probe was built, but also about the process of planning such an important, complicated endeavor. Full-color photographs and illustrations supplement the main content's explanation of what Cassini learned as it traveled around Saturn and the cool robotic features that collected data. With an emphasis on STEM careers and amazing new technology, readers are sure to want to explore more!

Space missions take years to plan. But they also take years to execute, so special robots are used to study deep space instead of astronauts. Pluto is so far away, the New Horizons probe took 10 years to get there! The main content describes the amazing technology used to build the probe as well as what tools it uses to study Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. Informative sidebars introduce the scientist who discovered Pluto and other fascinating STEM information. Full-color photographs and diagrams show off the coolest parts of the robot and the photos and data it's collected.

Rosetta isn't the first probe that's been sent to study comets, but it's the most successful as the first spacecraft to closely observe a comet as it approaches the sun. For 10 years, Rosetta moved around the solar system, just so it could finally meet up with the right comet and release a lander to further study it. Readers learn about Rosetta's incredible journey from just an idea to a fascinating robot with solar-charging batteries and other special features. From full-color diagrams of Rosetta to informative sidebars about the probe's findings, readers are sure to enjoy this book's STEM content.