Our story begins…

In the lively town of Astrovale, where the stars seemed just a little closer, a young and inventive Systems Engineer named Quinn was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

The challenge?

Build a fully functional STARSHIP, gather all the necessary components and resources, and launch it into space to reach Max Q, the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure.

 The countdown to the great space race had begun.

Quinn's Quest.

Quinn started the journey at the Research Center, his workspace as a Systems Engineer. Being a Systems Engineer meant Quinn had to ensure that every piece of the STARSHIP worked together seamlessly. If the components didn’t align perfectly, the mission could fail. It was a huge responsibility, but Quinn was ready.

The countdown had already begun, and the steps were clear:

  • T minus 10: Understand what the STARSHIP needed to do—carry 130 metric tons of payload and support a 30-foot-wide lander.
  • T minus 9: Set mission parameters and figure out how to manage multiple launches, massive payloads, and reliable systems.
  • T minus 8: Work together with other engineers—Systems, Aerospace, Structural, Propulsion, Avionics, and Quality Assurance—to collect all 8 components and the required resources.

 

The factory buzzed with activity as engineers brainstormed, sketched blueprints, and gathered materials.

T minus 10… and counting.

Quinn received his first countdown assignment.

Time was ticking, and he needed to understand what his rocket needed to accomplish. The payload volume had to be significant enough to carry a lander that could measure up to 30 feet across. The rocket also needed to lift at least 130 metric tons of payload into Earth orbit.

You are tasked to design a rocket for the purpose of human exploration of deep space. Specifically, it’s going to be the rocket that will enable human missions to Mars, far and away the most ambitious task ever undertaken in spaceflight history. A bold mission requires a bold rocket.  And you have selected to build…   STARSHIP!

T minus 9.

 Quinn began establishing the space launch mission parameters. He knew he needed a team of experts to succeed. Six types of engineers were available, each with their unique specialties.

T minus 8.

 Now, it was time for Quinn to choose which engineer role he was going to play in this great competition.   Considering his passion for systems, Quinn decided to become a Systems Engineer – responsible for ensuring that all the different parts of the rocket worked together smoothly and reliably.

T minus 7.

 Quinn embarked on this race to space, gathering the necessary components and resources for the STARSHIP’s construction.

He faced various challenges and utilized specialized cards representing components and resources required for his rocket.

Quinn began the race to space by exploring different space center locations. At every Location, Quinn could locate a component or resource needed for the STARSHIP’s construction.  The Race was on!

Countdown: T minus 6.

Quinn’s journey began at the Research Center, his designated workspace as a Systems Engineer. From there, he would set off on his adventure – to be the first to build the STARSHIP and reach MAX Q.

Countdown: T minus 5.

Whenever Quinn landed on a celestial body or a space center location, he could spin the spinner and draw a Race to Space card matching the result. These cards presented additional challenges or rewards along their journey.

Countdown: T minus 4.

Quinn’s expertise as a Systems Engineer was put to the test when a player landed on his workspace (the Research Center).

Quinn had the opportunity to perform a test on one of the other player’s components. Quinn picks the component and then the player rolls the test cube, determining whether they can keep the component or if it must be returned to the pile.

Countdown: T minus 3...

Quinn tirelessly collected components and resources, taking careful inventory on his STARSHIP plans using a special pen in his Engineer’s Notebook.

His goal was to obtain all eight components, gather the necessary fuel and system resources, and ensure the rocket was complete before launching the STARSHIP into space.

Countdown: T minus 2...

During rocket preparation and launch, many events can happen that might affect the success of the mission. Some of these events are good, while others can be challenging. Good events could be collecting additional resources, getting extra turns, or reaching a space center workspace location.

On the other hand, there are also bad events such as losing a resource or component, or even losing a turn. These events can make the launch more exciting and sometimes unexpected things can happen. But with determination and teamwork, engineers can overcome these challenges and make their rocket launch a great success!

Countdown: T minus 1...

As the engineers continued their adventurous journey, they discovered a special rule. If they POP a double while rolling the dice, something extraordinary would happen.

  1. They move around the board the number of spaces on the dice (nominal),
  2. They spin to be assigned a Race to Space Card (nominal) AND…
  3. They are awarded the ChopSticks.
  • Automatic Test Success: The ChopSticks allow you to pass any test automatically.
  • Launch Assistance: If you attempt a lift-off, the ChopSticks ensure a successful launch without needing to roll the Test Cube.
  • Trade Blocker: The ChopSticks allow you to refuse any trade request (unless you choose to accept).
  • Speed Boost: The ChopSticks allows you to DOUBLE your POP roll and move double the spaces (if you want to).

Lift Off!

The highly anticipated moment arrived. The engineers eagerly awaited liftoff.

Quinn, now positioned at the Launch Pad with all eight components, three fuels, and six systems, was ready for the final countdown.

Quinn’s rocket soared into the sky, leaving behind a trail of blazing fire. Quinn and the team held their breath as their masterpiece soared higher and higher, approaching the elusive Max Q. With nerves of steel, they monitored the vital signs of the rocket, ensuring its safe ascent through the Earth’s atmosphere. 

As the rocket pierced through the sound barrier, a cheer erupted from the crowd. The engineers and spectators gazed in awe as the STARSHIP ascended, surpassing the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure known as Max Q.

Quinn’s STARSHIP had successfully reached Max Q, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Everyone applauded and cheered, celebrating Quinn’s incredible achievement.