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