This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Look Out Below!

The end is near for Mir. The massive Russian space station has been in orbit for 15 years. The first manned space station was once the pride and joy of Russia's space program, but its work is done. Mir is scheduled to come down from space this week.

Flight commanders at the Mir control center in Moscow have been working to prepare for its safe descent. They even have a flight plan. Whatever is left of Mir after it burns through Earth's atmosphere is scheduled to splash down in a deserted area in the Pacific Ocean sometime on Thursday. Russia will be able to control Mir's fall with computers and radar until it reaches Earth's atmosphere.

Russia has safely controlled similar landings before. But the 135-ton Mir will be the largest object ever brought down from space. The possibility of pieces falling on populated areas has made Japan-the last country Mir will pass over-fearful.

Not everyone is afraid of Mir's falling debris. More than 50 people have paid about $6,500 each to see Mir's final moments. Trip organizer Marc Herring says the group will fly to an island near the crash target to see "a bright object on the horizon and a glow as the station rains down."

Next: It's A Three-Peat!