CAMBRIDGE COURT HIGH SCHOOL

SESSION- 2024-25
ENGLISH PROJECT

TOPIC- BEYOND THE EARTH

Submitted to: Submitted by:

Mrs Sunita Soni Chahana Saxena
(Department Of Ridhima Bansal
English) Nishita Jain
Niyati Jain
Darshika Jain
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the English project titled

“Beyond the Earth” has been completed by
Chahana Saxena, Ridhima Bansal, Nishita Jain,
Niyati Jain and Darshika Jain of class XII,
Cambridge Court High School, in the partial
fulfilment by Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE) leading to the award of the
Senior School Certificate Examination of the
session 2024-25.

Teacher’s Signature
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It would be our utmost pleasure to express our
sincere thanks to my Principal Mrs Swati
Mathur and English teacher, Mrs Sunita Soni,
whose valuable guidance has helped us patch
this project and make it proof of success, her
suggestions and her instructions have served
as the major contributor towards the
completion of the project.
 INDEX

S.No CONTENTS Pg. No.

.
1. Formation and Evolution of the
Universe
2. Solar System Exploration
3. Human Space Exploration
4. Search for Extraterrestrial Life
5. Other Skies, Other Suns: The
Search for Exoplanet
Atmospheres
6. Space Law and Policy
7. Conclusion
 INTRODUCTION
Space has always fascinated humanity,
sparking questions about the origins and
vastness of the universe. This project delves
into the formation and evolution of space,
exploring how the universe began with the Big
Bang and continues to expand. It also looks at
the exciting field of space exploration, from
early robotic missions to the Moon and Mars
to ambitious plans for future manned missions
beyond our solar system. The search for
extraterrestrial life adds another layer of
intrigue, as scientists examine planets and
moons for signs of life. Additionally, this
project addresses space laws and policies,
highlighting the rules and agreements that
govern how nations and organizations conduct
activities in space, ensuring its peaceful and
sustainable use for future generations.
FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF
THE UNIVERSE

The universe is a vast and complex place, and understanding

its formation and evolution is one of the greatest scientific
challenges. This section focuses on three key concepts: the Big
Bang Theory, Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, and
Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

1. Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is the most widely accepted explanation
for the origin of the universe. It proposes that the universe
began about 13.8 billion years ago from an incredibly hot,
dense point called a singularity. This point started to expand
rapidly in a massive explosion, known as the Big Bang. As it
expanded, the universe cooled down, allowing particles to
form atoms, which eventually led to the creation of stars,
galaxies, and planets. This expansion is still happening today,
with galaxies moving farther apart from each other. The Big
Bang Theory is supported by various pieces of evidence, such
as the observed expansion of the universe and the discovery of
the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation.
 2. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) Radiation is the
leftover heat from the Big Bang. When the universe was very
young, it was filled with a hot, glowing fog of particles. As the
universe expanded, this fog cooled and spread out, leaving a
faint glow that filled the entire sky. This radiation is like a
snapshot of the infant universe, providing crucial evidence for
the Big Bang Theory and helping scientists understand the
early stages of cosmic evolution.
 3. Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Dark Matter and Dark Energy are mysterious components that
make up most of the universe. Dark Matter is an invisible
substance that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, but its
presence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible
matter, like stars and galaxies. It helps to hold galaxies
together and plays a vital role in their formation and structure.
Dark Energy, on the other hand, is an unknown force causing
the accelerated expansion of the universe. While scientists do
not yet fully understand these phenomena, they are essential
for explaining the universe's overall behaviour and evolution.
 SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION

The solar system is a fascinating and diverse part of the

universe, consisting of the Sun, eight planets, their moons, and
numerous smaller objects like asteroids, comets, and dwarf
planets. Exploring the solar system helps us understand our
planet and the conditions and processes that shape other
celestial bodies.

1. Planets and their moons

Our solar system's eight planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth,
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—each have
unique characteristics. Earth, for instance, is the only planet
known to support life. Many of these planets have moons,
which are natural satellites orbiting them. For example, Jupiter
has over 70 moons, with Ganymede being the largest moon in
the solar system. Studying these moons can reveal much about
the history and composition of their parent planets.
 2. The Sun’s structure and activity
At the centre of the solar system is the Sun, a massive ball of
hot plasma that provides the energy necessary for life on
Earth. The Sun has several layers, including the core, where
nuclear fusion occurs, and the outer layers like the
photosphere and corona. The Sun's activity, such as solar
flares and sunspots, can impact space weather and even affect
satellite operations and power grids on Earth. Understanding
the Sun's structure and activity is crucial for predicting space
weather and protecting our technology.
 3. Asteroids, comets and dwarf planets
Apart from planets and moons, the solar system is populated
with smaller objects like asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets.
Asteroids are rocky bodies, mostly found in the asteroid belt
between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy objects that develop
glowing tails when they approach the Sun. Dwarf planets,
such as Pluto, are smaller than the main planets but share
many characteristics with them. These objects can provide
clues about the early solar system and the processes that led to
the formation of planets.
By exploring these various components of the solar system,
scientists gain a better understanding of its origins, evolution,
and the dynamic processes that continue to shape it.
 HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION

Human space exploration has been one of the most remarkable

achievements in history, showcasing the potential of human
ingenuity and determination. This section will cover the
history of manned space missions, the role and significance of
the International Space Station (ISS), and future missions to
Mars and beyond.

1. History of manned space missions

The history of manned space missions began with the launch
of Yuri Gagarin aboard Vostok 1 in 1961, making him the first
human to journey into outer space. This monumental event
marked the beginning of the space race between the United
States and the Soviet Union. The Apollo program by NASA
was another significant milestone, with Apollo 11 landing the
first humans on the Moon in 1969. These missions not only
demonstrated the technical capabilities of the time but also
paved the way for future explorations and scientific
discoveries.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists created

history after the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on
the surface of the Moon on 23rd August 2023. Chandrayaan-3
was the third lunar exploration mission under ISRO’s
Chandrayaan program.

The Vikram lander made a soft landing over the lunar surface
and made India the fourth country in history to soft-land on
the moon after the United States, the Soviet Union, and China.
 2. International space station
The International Space Station (ISS) is a symbol of
international cooperation in space exploration. Launched in
1998, the ISS serves as a space laboratory where astronauts
from various countries live and work together, conducting
experiments that benefit life on Earth and help prepare for
future missions. The ISS orbits the Earth and provides a
unique environment for scientific research, studying the
effects of long-term space travel on the human body, and
testing new technologies essential for deep space exploration.
 3. Future missions: Mars and beyond
Looking to the future, the exploration of Mars stands out as
the next major goal for human space exploration. NASA,
along with other space agencies and private companies, is
planning missions that aim to send astronauts to Mars within
the next few decades. These missions will involve significant
challenges, such as ensuring safe travel, landing, and
sustainable living conditions on the Martian surface. Beyond
Mars, there are ambitions to explore other parts of our solar
system, such as the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, which may
harbour the conditions necessary for life. These future
missions will expand our understanding of the universe and
push the boundaries of human capability.
 SEARCH FOR
EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE

Astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life are

exciting areas of space science that focus on understanding the
potential for life beyond Earth.

1. Conditions for life in the universe

To determine where life might exist, scientists study the

conditions that support life as we know it. This includes the
presence of water, the right chemical elements, and a suitable
climate. Planets and moons with these conditions are
considered prime candidates for hosting life.

2. Missions searching for life

Several space missions aim to find evidence of life. Mars

Rovers, such as Curiosity and Perseverance, explore the
surface of Mars, analyzing soil and rocks for signs of past or
present life. The Europa Clipper mission plans to investigate
Jupiter's moon Europa, which has a subsurface ocean that
might harbour life.
 3. The Drake Equation and SETI:

The Drake Equation is a formula used to estimate the number

of civilizations in our galaxy that might communicate with us.
It considers factors like the number of stars with planets and
the likelihood of those planets having life. SETI (Search for
Extraterrestrial Intelligence) involves using telescopes to listen
for signals from alien civilizations, hoping to detect a message
from another world.

These efforts combine to expand our understanding of life in

the universe, bringing us closer to answering the profound
question: Are we alone?
 OTHER SKIES, OTHER SUNS: THE
SEARCH FOR EXOPLANET
ATMOSPHERES
We see their shadows but they dance just out of reach:
thousands of planets lost in the glare of their parent stars.
Sifting these planets for signs of life will mean capturing light
from their atmospheres, splitting it into a rainbow spectrum,
and then searching those colour bands for traces of familiar
skies. The big prize: a readout from a small, rocky world
showing something like oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide.
An atmosphere that reminds us of home; a solid case for life
beyond Earth.
We’re at the bare beginning of our ability to probe these
otherworldly skies. Our instruments so far are somewhat
crude. We can break down the light from big, hot planets,
roasting gas giants hundreds of light-years away, and read
some of their atmospheric properties. Smaller planets are
beginning to be analyzed as well. In the years ahead, far more
sensitive instruments sent into space could measure light from
Earth-sized worlds to inventory their atmospheres, perhaps
finding evidence of a living, breathing planet.
 SPACE LAW AND POLICY

The treaty is the foundation of international space law for

signatory nations (108 in 2019). The treaty presents principles
for space exploration and operation:
 Space activities are for the benefit of all nations, and any
country is free to explore orbit and beyond.
 There is no claim for sovereignty in space; no nation can
“own” space, the Moon or any other body.
 Weapons of mass destruction are forbidden in orbit and
beyond, and the Moon, the planets, and other celestial
bodies can only be used for peaceful purposes.
 Any astronaut from any nation is an “envoy of mankind,”
and signatory states must provide all possible help to
astronauts when needed, including emergency landing in
a foreign country or at sea.
 Signatory states are each responsible for their space
activities, like private commercial endeavours, and must
provide authorization and supervision.
 Nations are responsible for damage caused by their space
objects and must avoid contaminating space.
OBJECTIVES OF SPACE LAW:
The Space Law and Policy Project Group has identified the
following goals:
 Engage in critical debates about existing legal and policy
aspects concerning space activities
 Investigate legal and regulatory challenges faced by the
space community
 Propose space-related policy recommendations
 Address potentially emerging questions and issues in the
space sector
 Develop research papers regarding trend questions and
issues of the space community
 To contribute and collaborate with the space community
on multidisciplinary topics
 We aim to partner creatively and collaboratively with
other civil society institutions, such as the International
Institute of Space Law, and to derive synergies from the
vast global network of space academics and
professionals.
1. The Rescue Agreement:

Signatories agree to take all possible actions to help or

rescue astronauts in need, and if applicable, return them to
the nation from which they launched. Additionally,
signatories agree to help return to the sponsoring nation any
space objects that land on Earth outside of the country from
which they were launched.

2. The Moon Agreement:

Signatories agree to take all possible actions to help or

rescue astronauts in need, and if applicable, return them to
the nation from which they launched. Additionally,
signatories agree to help return to the sponsoring nation any
space objects that land on Earth outside of the country from
which they were launched.
 3. Outer Space Treaty:

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans the stationing of weapons

of mass destruction (WMD) in outer space, prohibits military
activities on celestial bodies, and details legally binding rules
governing the peaceful exploration and use of space.

4. Liability Convention:

the Liability Convention provides that a launching State shall

be absolutely liable to pay compensation for damage caused
by its space objects on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft,
and liable for damage due to its faults in space. The
Convention also provides for procedures for the settlement of
claims for damages.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our space project shows how human knowledge

and exploration are groundbreaking endeavors. Through our
dedication and perseverance, we have achieved numerous
milestones, including achievements, such as successfully
launching a satellite, conducting experiments in microgravity,
or capturing stunning images of celestial bodies. These
accomplishments not only demonstrate the power of human
ingenuity but also pave the way for future space endeavours.
Our project has contributed significantly to the advancement
of space research.
As we reflect on our journey, we recognize the immense
challenges we overcame, from technical hurdles to logistical
complexities. Yet innovative thinking and passion for
discovery propelled us forward.
The findings and insights gained will have far-reaching
implications, shaping the future of space exploration and
enhancing our understanding of the cosmos. We are proud to
have played a part in this extraordinary adventure and look
forward to the next chapter in the pursuit of space discovery.
 QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What is the primary component of the gas giant Jupiter's atmosphere?

A) Oxygen

B) Hydrogen

C) Carbon Dioxide

D) Helium

2. Which planet is known for its extensive ring system?

A) Mars

B) Neptune

C) Saturn

D) Uranus

3. What is the name of the spacecraft that provided detailed images of Pluto in 2015?

A) Voyager 1

B) Cassini

C) New Horizons

D) Hubble

4. Which of the following moons is known for having a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust?

A) Titan

B) Europa

C) Ganymede

D) Callisto

5. What is the term for a celestial body that orbits a planet?

A) Asteroid

B) Comet

C) Satellite

D) Nebula
6. Which galaxy is closest to the Milky Way?

A) Andromeda Galaxy

B) Whirlpool Galaxy

C) Triangulum Galaxy

D) Sombrero Galaxy

7. What is the primary mission of the James Webb Space Telescope?

A) To study the surface of Mars

B) To observe exoplanets and distant galaxies

C) To send humans to the Moon

D) To map the asteroid belt

8. Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"?

A) Venus

B) Mars

C) Mercury

D) Jupiter

9. What is the name of the first artificial satellite launched into space?

A) Voyager 1

B) Hubble Space Telescope

C) Sputnik 1

D) Apollo 11

10. What phenomenon is caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon on Earth?

A) Solar Eclipse

B) Tides

C) Auroras

D) Earthquakes
 REPORT
BEYOND THE EARTH
(By Darshika, Ridhima, Nishita, Niyati and Chahana)
Under the direction of an esteemed English teacher, a
group of five students had the opportunity to create a
project on the topic “Beyond the Earth” to complete the
English assessment work for class XII of CBSE. The
five students collaborated on this assignment and
finished it before the deadline. Initially, they considered
a variety of subjects before settling on Beyond the
Earth, which introduced them to our vast space journey.
Then they browsed the internet, books, and periodicals
for information. They jointly finalised the content and
chose a few subtopics to add to their project. Next, they
distributed the topics among the group members.
Following that, they conducted a poll close to our
communities, asking people a variety of questions and
receiving favourable feedback from the public.
Since the dawn of humanity, humans have been
fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. The allure of
exploring beyond our planet has driven scientists,
astronomers, and space agencies to venture into the
unknown. This report delves into the wonders of space,
highlighting significant milestones, current discoveries,
and prospects in the pursuit of understanding the
cosmos.
Our solar system, comprising eight planets, dwarf
planets, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies, is
a vast expanse waiting to be explored.
The teacher-reviewed each student's work once they had
finished it and made any necessary corrections and
suggestions. All group members contributed to the final
draft of the project after compiling their sections and the
suggested adjustments. They mentioned how this project
taught them how to work in a team and ask effective
questions using questionnaires, among other things.
The journey beyond Earth has only just begun. As we
continue to explore, discover, and push the boundaries
of knowledge, we may uncover answers to humanity's
most profound questions: Are we alone? What is the
nature of the universe? Driven by this good energy, they
finished and turned in their project.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization:_Beyond_Earth
 https://www.twinkl.co.in/teaching-wiki/earth-and-beyond
 https://www.beyondtheearth.org/
 https://www.nasa.gov/history/history-publications-and-
resources/nasa-history-series/beyond-earth/
 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/life-beyond-earth-
44185
 https://www.seti.org/
 https://www.nasa.gov/