What information do I know?
Directions on Opening the Hatch-
- You have to enter the combination 3454.
- Wait exactly 35 seconds.
- Turn the handle and open the hatch.
- Your heart beats at a steady 72 beats per minute (even when you are panicking)
- You have 2 minutes worth of air left.
- You need to wait exactly 35 seconds after entering in the code before opening the capsule’s hatch.
What information do I need to know?
How can you use your heart rate to count exactly 35 seconds? How many heartbeats would you need to wait before turning the handle?
Opener
Shontelle solves 3 math problems in 4 minutes.
The Challenge
NASA has selected you for a top secret, one-person mission to orbit the Earth and collect valuable data about one of our satellites. You’ve just completed the 14-hour mission and reentered the Earth’s atmosphere, splashing down into the Atlantic Ocean right on schedule. A nearby aircraft carrier was meant to launch a rescue helicopter to pluck you from the sea and put you safely onto the carrier deck.
Except there has been no sign of the helicopter. It’s a good thing you never panic (because this is a prime panicking situation): No matter whether you’re rereading your favorite book or being chased by a grizzly bear, your pulse remains a steady 72 beats per minute.
The you realize something else-you’re currently stuck in an airtight capsule. You figure there are 2 more minutes of oxygen in the capsule, so it’s time to blow open the hatch yourself.