At the edge of the hot desert, Lila checks the rocket’s fins while explaining, “To leave Earth for space, we must fight gravity—the invisible force that keeps us on the ground.”

She shows the team how they use powerful engines and careful math to escape, but also how every return needs a thick heat shield because re-entering Earth’s air makes a fire-hot friction.

Before launch, someone asks, “Will they come back safe?” Lila fastens her helmet and points to the sky, where the sun bakes the empty landing pad.