Interstellar Program: Family Mission Guide
⭐ BEFORE YOUR MISSION
1. Arrival at HEXO Spaceport One (5-minute discussion)
Welcome to HEXO Spaceport One, where humanity’s future begins.
In the 24th century, the Human Exoplanetary Exploration Organization (HEXO) was created to unite humanity around a shared mission: to explore life beyond Earth.
Ask:
Why do you think humans feel driven to explore beyond our planet?
What would it feel like to start a new life beyond Earth?
Do you think exploration is about curiosity, survival, or the drive to explore?
Science Spotlight
Earth is the only known planet that supports life. Space is a vacuum—with no air, extreme temperatures, and intense radiation. Spacecraft must function as complete life-support systems.
Mission Moment: Think Beyond Earth
If you could send one message to the future, what would it say?
2) Preparing to board the Interstellar Arc (5-minute discussion)
You are about to board the Interstellar Arc, HEXO’s most advanced interstellar spaceship.
Length: 1,350 meters (about 14 football fields)
Population: 1,928 citizens
Speed: 4.2% the speed of light (over 12,000 km/sec)
Ask:
What would humans need to survive on a ship for generations?
What kinds of roles would be essential to keep the Arc running?
How would life in space be different from life on Earth?
Science Spotlight
The Arc uses closed-loop systems to recycle air, water, and waste—similar to systems used today on the International Space Station, but far more advanced.
Mission Moment: Pack for Space
You can bring only three items. What do you choose—and why?
⭐ AFTER YOUR MISSION
1) Cryosleep & Time Jump (5–10 minute discussion)
After boarding, you entered cryogenic sleep…
and awakened 262 years later as the Interstellar Arc approached Arcadia.
Ask:
Why would people choose cryosleep for long journeys?
What would it feel like to wake up in a completely different era?
Would you choose to experience the journey—or skip ahead in time?
Science Spotlight
Cryosleep is still theoretical, but scientists are researching ways to slow human metabolism.
It could allow humans to survive journeys that last longer than a single lifetime.
Mission Moment: Future Flash
Imagine the world in the year 2668. What has changed?
2) Life aboard the Interstellar Arc (5-minute discussion)
The Interstellar Arc is not just a ship—it is a self-sustaining civilization in motion.
Ask:
How would people build a functioning society in space?
What challenges might come from living in a closed system?
Why is cooperation essential for survival on the Interstellar Arc?
Science Spotlight
The International Space Station is an early example of living in space. On the Interstellar Arc, these systems are expanded to support nearly 2,000 people across generations.
Mission Moment: Space Society
Design your own space community.
What rules would keep people safe, productive, and connected?
3) Arrival at Arcadia & Cosmopolis (5–10 minute discussion)
You have arrived at Cosmopolis—a massive orbital city built to study Arcadia and prepare for life in this new world.
Your destination: Arcadia (Ross 128 b)
Located 11 light-years from Earth
Ask:
What conditions are necessary for life to exist on a planet?
Why might humans live in orbit before inhabiting a new planet’s surface?
How would a new world change the way people live?
Science Spotlight
Arcadia is a tidally-locked planet, meaning:
One side is in constant sunlight
One side is in permanent darkness
Between them is a narrow habitable zone, where temperatures range from -20°C to 30°C—conditions that may support life.
Arcadia is:
About 10% larger than Earth
Has ~30% more mass
Slightly stronger gravity than Earth
Mission Moment: New World Builder
If you were helping design humanity’s first settlement, what would you build first?
4) Life Beyond Earth (5-minute discussion)
HEXO’s mission is driven by one question:
Does life exist beyond Earth?
Ask:
What kinds of life might exist on Arcadia?
Why do scientists search for microbial life first?
What discovery would change everything for humanity?
Science Spotlight
On Arcadia:
Microbial life exists on land
More complex life may exist in deep oceans on the dark side
This is similar to how life on Earth existed 400 million years ago.
Scientists search for biosignatures—chemical signs of life like oxygen or methane.
Mission Moment: Alien Encounter
Imagine a lifeform adapted to Arcadia’s environment. What does it look like?
5) Post-Mission Reflection (5-minute discussion)
You’ve completed your mission. Now reflect on what comes next.
Ask:
What part of the experience felt most real to you?
What did you learn about space, science, or the future?
Do you think humans will one day live beyond Earth?
Science Spotlight
Earth remains uniquely suited for life due to its atmosphere, water, and protective magnetic field—making it incredibly rare and valuable.
Mission Moment: Earth Check
What makes Earth worth protecting?
🤔 DID YOU KNOW?
The Interstellar Arc travels at 4.2% the speed of light
That’s over 12,000 km per second
Fast enough to reach the Moon in about 30 seconds
The mission spans 262 years, with passengers traveling through time via cryosleep
The ship carries 1,928 people, forming a fully functioning space community
The Interstellar Arc is 1,350 meters long—14 football fields end to end
Arcadia (Ross 128 b) was discovered in 2017 by astronomers in Chile
Arcadia’s surface is divided between extreme heat and cold—but a narrow zone may support life
📖 PARENT GUIDE: Science Behind the Mission
Cryosleep is theoretical but actively researched
Closed-loop systems recycle essential resources
The ISS is a real-world model for space living
Exoplanets are planets beyond our solar system
Tidally locked planets create extreme environments
Biosignatures help scientists detect life
Stronger planetary mass = stronger gravity
🔍 Want to Learn More?
Books
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry — Neil deGrasse Tyson
Welcome to the Universe (Young Readers Edition) — Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Mysteries of the Universe — Will Gater