“Pearl is a certifiable engineering genius... but that doesn't mean a spaceship made from parts found in an old barn is going to last long enough to even escape Earth's atmosphere.” TV Tropes
: Greg’s grounded perspective provides a necessary counterweight to Pearl’s cosmic ambition, reminding Steven (and the audience) that while space is wondrous, it is also incredibly dangerous for a half-human child. Community Perspectives [S1E28] Space Race
" Space Race " (Season 1, Episode 28) is a standout episode of Steven Universe that shifts from a fun DIY project into a heavy, emotional exploration of Pearl’s grief and her intense longing for her lost home. “Pearl is a certifiable engineering genius
: The use of a "surprisingly realistic outcome"—building a ship from barn scraps—serves as a metaphor for the Gems' current state: making do with Earthly remnants while dreaming of something greater. : The use of a "surprisingly realistic outcome"—building