Seven Minutes of Terror

The video includes a print graphic that states: Mars’ atmosphere is 100 times thinner than Earth’s. This fact helps the viewer to understand that —

• the atmosphere is not thick enough to slow down the space vehicle

• the space vehicle will be able to easily penetrate the atmosphere

• the atmosphere could cause the space vehicle to explode upon entry

• the space vehicle is not affected by atmospheric conditions

What makes Seven Minutes of Terror different from an informational text passage?

• Contrasting perspectives on the topic are shared.

• Scientists are quoted directly about a topic.

• Viewers get information using multiple senses.

• Engineering design challenges are explained precisely.

In the video, one of the scientists explains that as it travels through space, the space vehicle glows like the surface of the sun. This phrase helps to illustrate —

• the color the space vehicle is painted

• the time of day the space vehicle lands

• the appearance of the space vehicle as it moves

• the temperature of the space vehicle as it lands

The point of view from which the video is told gives the viewer insight into —

• what happens during the descent of the spacecraft

• how the engineers work together as a team to achieve a goal

• when the various parts of the project are required to be completed

• why a specific sequence of events is necessary for the success of the project

The animated images of the space vehicle in the first few minutes of Seven Minutes of Terror help the viewer to —

• estimate the distance the space vehicle travels

• estimate how fast the space vehicle moves

• understand how the space vehicle functions

• understand the route the space vehicle takes

The music in the video helps to —

• make the events feel more dramatic

• clarify the scientific information

• give viewers the experience of space travel

• show how afraid the scientists feel

Which details from the video explain why the spacecraft’s parachute is unusual? Mark the correct box for each sentence.

• It expands by filling up with gases in the atmosphere.

• It is attached to the spacecraft with multiple tethers.

• It slows the spacecraft down to about 200 miles per hour.

• It weighs 100 pounds but can withstand 65,000 pounds of force.

• It is the largest and strongest supersonic parachute ever built.

In the video, one of the scientists explains that successfully landing the space vehicle requires perfect sequence, perfect choreography, perfect timing. What is the meaning of the word choreography in this context?

• A) A series of known commands

• B) A series of planned situations

• C) A series of landing attempts

• D) A series of rocket blasts

What is the most likely reason that the creators of the video chose the title Seven Minutes of Terror?

• To warn viewers that the content of the video will be frightening

• To let viewers know how long the video will take to watch

• To give viewers a hint as to what the content of the video will be

• To trick viewers by using a play on words that sounds like a horror film

Which two statements from the video best support the answer to Part A?

• So, when we first get word that we’ve touched the top of the atmosphere, the vehicle has been alive—or dead—on the surface for at least seven minutes. (00:45–01:00)

• Because we’ve got literally seven minutes to get from the top of the atmosphere to the surface of Mars . . . (01:12–01:18)

• We slam into the atmosphere and develop so much aerodynamic drag, our heat shield, it heats up and it glows like the surface of the sun. (01:36–01:44)

• During entry, the vehicle is not only slowing down, violently, through the atmosphere, but also we are guiding it, like an airplane, to be able to land in a very narrow, constrained space. (01:48–02:00)

• The radar has to take just the right altitude and velocity measurements at just the right time, or the rest of the landing sequence won’t work. (02:54–03:01)