From a long-term planning lead for the Mars Exploration Rover Project comes this vivid insider account of some of NASA’s most vital and exciting missions to the Red Planet, illustrated with full-colour photographs—a wondrous chronicle of unprecedented scientific discovery and the search for evidence of life on Mars.

Perfect for STEM and space storytimes, this musical mission to Mars will have young astronauts singing along as they learn the science of space travel. Explore the science behind a trip to Mars, from launch to landing on the Red Planet. Set to the tune of "The Farmer in the Dell," this jaunty journey follows five adorable, bobble-headed astronauts as they learn how to bathe in zero gravity, grow veggies in space, and entertain themselves on the six-month trip. Even the design of the book defies gravity, as text and art float free on the page, encouraging readers to turn the book sideways and upside-down.

“This little mouse may well inspire some big dreams.” —Kirkus Reviews on Mousetronaut Meteor the mousetronaut returns to outer space in this exciting story from #1 New York Times bestselling author, US Senator, and retired NASA astronaut commander Mark Kelly and renowned illustrator C.F. Payne. 3-2-1…blast off! The smallest member of the team, a mouse named Meteor, is back on board and ready to come to the rescue on an interplanetary adventure! With lively illustrations by award-winning artist C.F. Payne, this charming new mousetronaut adventure will inspire imaginations of all sizes! Includes detailed scientific back matter.

How feasible is a manned Mars flight? How soon will it be possible? How long will it take? What kind of spacecraft will make the journey? What kind of data will be collected? What are the advantages of a manned flight over an unmanned? Mission to Mars discusses these questions and more in this serious, documented treatment of the not-too-distant manned expedition to Mars. The shuttle has proved successful and an enthusiastic boost to American interest in space. But while many laypeople wonder “what’s next,” scientists are planning what they feel is the next logical step. Drawing on the vast amount of data sent back by Viking orbiters and probes, and existing developments in propulsion and space technology, space experts all over have been speculating, analyzing, and exchanging ideas relative to the long-awaited mission to Mars. Other factors, critical to an intelligent discussion of such an undertaking are included here: spaceship design and assembly, propulsion systems, navigation principles, life support systems, selecting a landing site, scientific activities on Mars, cost factors, political and social issues.

"This second edition of Max goes to Mars contains a set of fully updated Big Kid Boxes designed to incorporate the latest scientific discoveries about Mars."--title page verso.

This document communicates NASA’s strategy and progress to learn about the Red Planet, to inform us more about our Earth’s past and future, and may help answer whether life exists beyond our home planet. Together with NASA’s partners in academia and commercial enterprises, NASA’s vision is to pioneer Mars and answer some of humanity’s fundamental questions: • Was Mars home to microbial life? Is it today? • Could it be a safe home for humans one day? • What can it teach us about life elsewhere in the cosmos or how life began on Earth? • What can it teach us about Earth’s past, present, and future?