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Space Crafts - Astronomy for Kids
Space travel is possible thanks to space crafts. These amazing travelling machines come in different sizes and all have different purposes. Children who are interested in learning about outer space will love to explore how humans travel out side our atmosphere.
Did You Know?
The first spacecraft in space was Sputnik 1 launched on an R-7 rocket by the USSR on October 4 1957. Sputnik in Russian means companion, co-traveler.
Rocket carry space vehicles (objects) and send them into the air or into space, far away from our planet.
Space Shuttle is a rocket and an aircraft combined. Space Shuttles take off like rockets and land like planes. Astronauts are able to live for at least two weeks inside the space shuttle.
Lunar Modules look like large spiders. These vehicles take astornauts to the moon. Apollo 11 (a lunar module) was the first manned mission to land on the moon on July 20, 1969 with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as the first two astronauts who walked on the moon.
Lunar Rover Vehicle also known as a Lunar Jeep is a vehicle with wide wheels that operates on batteries and is able to ride throught moon dust. By using the LRV astronauts are able to travel faster on the moon and cover more ground.
Satellite is a space vehicle that orbits the earth and observes it from space. Satellites generate their own energy using solar panels. There are two types of satellites, the ones closer to earth take pictures of earth and use GPS to locate us. The further away satellite send signals about weather forecasting, television broadcasting and telecommunication.
International Space Station allows astronauts to stay longer in space and to have better living conditions than in a space shuttle. The ISS generates its own electricity with its solar panels. Astronauts living on the ISS spend their days between maintenance tasks, scientific experiments and keeping fit.
Space Suit- Even thought this is not a space craft, astronauts must wear their space suit in order to be able to walk on the moon. The space suit has air tanks, air conditioning system, water tank and a protective layer.
Let the playing begin with this over 1000 pieces Lego Space Set.
Did you know? By playing with small pieces of Lego young children develop their fine motor skills. Consider this as a great investment for your young boy who does not enjoy doing arts and crafts.
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