mission – n. an important task, usually involving travel

shield – n. piece of equipment used as protection

insulator – n. a material or covering that prevents electricity, heat or sound from passing through

simulate – v. create conditions or processes similar to something that exists

ultraviolet – adj. used to describe light that cannot be seen and that has shorter wavelengths than violet light

habitable – adj. able to be lived in

passive – adj. not acting to influence or change a situation

maintenance – n. the process of keeping or continuing something

biosphere – n. the part of the Earth's environment where life exists