Lena had always been fascinated by the stars. As a child, she would spend hours lying on her backyard hammock, staring up at the night sky and imagining distant worlds beyond her reach. Her curiosity only grew stronger as she got older, and by the time she was twelve, she knew she wanted to be an astronaut. Her dream was to explore the vast unknown of space, to see planets and stars up close, and maybe even find signs of life beyond Earth. One summer, Lena's school announced a new program called "Future Explorers," designed to inspire young students to learn about space and technology. As part of the program, Lena was selected to join a special project: preparing for a simulated mission to Mars. The project involved teamwork, problem-solving, and learning about the challenges of space travel. Lena was thrilled. She knew this was her chance to get a step closer to her dream. The team worked tirelessly over several weeks. They learned how to operate simulated spacecraft controls, plan routes through the solar system, and prepare for emergencies. They also studied the effects of space on the human body and the importance of staying healthy during long missions. The highlight was building a model of a space station, which they named "Horizon," meant to be a self-sustaining habitat for future explorers. As the simulated launch day approached, Lena felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The entire school gathered in the auditorium to watch the "launch." Lena, dressed in a makeshift astronaut suit, sat in her seat as the countdown began. When the clock hit zero, a loud sound system played the roar of engines, and the lights dimmed to simulate the launch. The team cheered as their spacecraft "Lift-Off" soared across the projection screen. During the simulation, Lena had to make quick decisions. A sudden storm on Mars threatened the mission, and she had to collaborate with her teammates to devise a plan to navigate through the dangerous weather. Despite the challenges, they successfully completed their mission, landing their spacecraft safely and conducting virtual experiments on the surface of Mars. That day, Lena realized that space exploration was more than just a dream; it was a complex, collaborative effort that required curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork. Her experience in the program strengthened her resolve. She knew that someday, she wanted to be part of a real space expedition, to go beyond the stars and discover new worlds. After the simulation, Lena couldn't stop talking about her experience. She started reading more books about space and even joined her school's astronomy club. Her teachers noticed her enthusiasm and encouraged her to pursue science and math, subjects essential for any future astronaut. Lena understood that her journey was just beginning, and she was more determined than ever to reach for the stars. She believed that with dedication and a little bit of adventure, someday she might actually walk on another planet. And until then, she would keep dreaming, exploring, and learning everything she could about the universe.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.