Lena gazed up at the night sky, her eyes shimmering with wonder. Ever since she was a little girl, she had been fascinated by the vast emptiness of space and the mysteries it held. She often dreamed about floating among the stars, discovering new planets, and uncovering secrets that had remained hidden for centuries. Now, at the age of fifteen, her dream was slowly turning into reality. She had been selected to join the crew of the newest space exploration mission, a journey to a distant planet called Nova Prime. The day of departure finally arrived. Lena stood in the space station’s hangar, clad in a sleek, silver spacesuit that felt both exciting and a little intimidating. Her heart pounded with anticipation as she looked around at her fellow crew members—scientists, engineers, and pilots—all of whom shared her enthusiasm for exploration. Their spaceship, the Star Voyager, was a marvel of technology, equipped with the latest scientific instruments, navigation systems, and life support. It was designed for deep space travel, capable of reaching planets hundreds of light-years away. As the countdown began, Lena remembered her training. She had learned how to operate the ship’s controls, conduct experiments, and handle emergency situations. But nothing could truly prepare her for the moment they would leave Earth behind and venture into the unknown. When the final countdown clicked from ten to zero, the ship’s engines roared to life, and Lena felt a surge of adrenaline. The ship shuddered as it lifted off, ascending through the atmosphere and into space, leaving behind the blue planet she loved. The journey to Nova Prime took several months. During that time, Lena and her crew conducted experiments, studied the ship’s systems, and looked out at the endless stars. Sometimes, Lena would sit by the window, marveling at the sight of distant galaxies and shimmering nebulae. She kept a journal, recording her thoughts and feelings about the voyage, knowing that one day, she would want to remember every detail. Finally, after what felt like a lifetime in space, the crew spotted their destination. Nova Prime was a breathtaking world—covered in swirling clouds, towering mountains, and vast oceans. The planet’s surface glowed with a strange, bluish hue, and Lena’s heart raced with excitement. Their landing was smooth, and the crew prepared for their first steps onto the alien soil. As Lena stepped out of the spaceship, she was overwhelmed by a sense of awe. The air was different but breathable, and the landscape stretched out before her in all its alien beauty. She took a deep breath and looked around, realizing that she was truly among the stars, exploring a world no human had ever set foot on before. In that moment, Lena understood that space exploration was more than just a scientific pursuit—it was a journey into the unknown, a quest for discovery that could change humanity’s future forever. Over the next few days, Lena and her team collected samples, took pictures, and explored the environment. They found strange plants that glowed softly in the dark and rocks with unusual metallic properties. Each discovery brought new questions and new excitement. Lena felt a deep sense of purpose—she was part of something bigger than herself, helping to unlock the secrets of the universe. When it was time to return to Earth, Lena felt a bittersweet mix of emotions. She was eager to share her discoveries, but she also knew she would miss the planet that had become her second home. As the spaceship lifted off from Nova Prime and headed back through the cosmos, Lena looked out at the stars once more, feeling grateful for the incredible adventure she had experienced. She knew that her journey was just the beginning—there were many more worlds out there waiting to be explored, and one day, she hoped to discover them all.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.