Does your child dream of being an astronaut? They’ll have their chance on February 4! Outschool, an online learning platform for kids, is hosting a free live virtual event that allows them to communicate with a simulated Mars mission—complete with a 10-minute Earth-to-Mars delay, just like a real mission. (It takes time to transmit information between planets!)
Analog Astronaut Tom Bickmore will lead the 80-minute event, connecting kids with a real-life Mars analog crew stationed at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah. According to NASA, analog astronauts like Bickmore “help NASA test systems, protocols, and scenarios on Earth before crews are sent to space” through simulations. Kids can send in questions, submit predictions, and collaborate—doing real space research. Kids will learn what it’s like to talk to someone on another planet—an out-of-this-earth opportunity!
“When humans go to Mars, communication won’t be instant, but it can still feel human,” explains Bickmore, space educator and MDRS Crew Journalist. “Kids are incredibly candid about their experiences, which makes them perfect participants in this kind of research.” Bickmore will serve as Crew Journalist during an upcoming mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS).
The free Mars simulated mission is designed for kids ages 5–18 and will take place at 2 p.m. CT. “This is live learning at its best,” shares Head of Outschool Amir Nathoo. “Kids aren’t just watching history, they’re helping shape the future of how humans connect across planets.” So if your kid shoots for the moon, make sure to register for this free space-tastic virtual event.
All you need to know about the “Earth-to-Mars” event:
• When: February 4 at 2 p.m. CT
• Who: Kids ages 5–18
• How much: Free!
• Where: Virtual
• Register: www.outschool.com/campaigns/live-from-mars
