AwareSTEM · Python Grid Missions

Mission Builder

Write Python style commands to move a rocket across a grid, avoid obstacles, collect fuel, handle danger zones and reach the planet.

The code box starts mostly empty. Use the command bank below, but be careful: some examples are wrong on purpose.

Start Mission Speed Lab Open AwarePy Space Atlas
Debugging is part of the mission

Some code examples work. Some fail.

MISSION DEBUGGER ONLINE
move_right() works
move right() fails because function names cannot have spaces
land fails because functions need brackets
repeat 3: works only when the next line is indented
Use the command bank below. Some examples are wrong on purpose, so check spelling, brackets and underscores.
Mission system ready.
SHIP--
TARGET--
FUEL--
MOVES--
MISSION--
SCAN--

Mission

Mission description.

🚀 Ship 🪐 Target ☄️ Obstacle ⚠️ Danger tile ⛽ Fuel pickup 🟢 Scan complete
Command bank: some work, some do not
Movement commands that work move_right() move_left() move_up() move_down()

These move the rocket one square at a time.

Mission commands that work scan() land() status()

Some planets need scanning before landing. status() checks position and fuel.

Loop command that works repeat 3:     move_right()

The indented command runs three times. The spaces before the command matter.

Commands that look right but fail move_forward() go_right() move right() land move_right(3) repeat three:

These are wrong on purpose. Run them and read the mission log to work out why.

Speed Lab: how fast would you need to go?
Mission maths

Mission Builder is not only about moving on a grid. Real space missions need maths. This lab compares everyday distances with the Moon, Mars and Pluto.

Real physics mode warns you when a journey needs faster than light travel. Sci fi mode lets learners imagine a fictional time bubble, while still showing the real maths.

Mission maths result

Choose a journey and press Calculate Speed.
Maths Mini-Games
Mission Maths · Three Challenges

Three quick maths games built from real space science. Pick one and test your skills.

A spacecraft orbits a planet. If it travels -- km in one orbit and takes -- seconds, what is its average speed in km/s?

Formula: speed = distance ÷ time

Orbit score 0 / 0
Why this works

This teaches real coding behaviour: choose commands, type them carefully, run the program, read the error, debug the route, and try again. The space theme gives a clear reason for coordinates, loops, sequencing, fuel and logic.

The Speed Lab adds the maths behind the mission: speed equals distance divided by time. It also helps learners visualise huge astronomy distances by comparing them with rooms, miles, the Moon, Mars and Pluto.