High School Students Design Mars Mission in Virtual Summer Program
The Mars Society is offering high school students a chance to design a human mission to Mars through a virtual competition this summer.
The Mars Society has announced the Fifth Annual International Mission to Mars Engineering Design Competition, a virtual summer program for high school students aged 13–19. Running from June 8 to July 10, 2026, the five-week program will challenge students to design a comprehensive human mission to Mars lasting up to 18 months.
Participants will work in teams to develop mission concepts covering key aspects of Mars exploration, including habitat design, life support, and surface operations. The program includes live online lectures, workshops, and discussions led by experts from NASA, the aerospace industry, and academia. These sessions aim to enhance students' STEM skills and provide real-world insights into space exploration.
The competition is supervised by Nicole Willett, Education Director of the Mars Society, who has extensive experience in STEM education and youth outreach. Students will receive mentorship and gain valuable experience that can benefit their college and scholarship applications. The entire program is conducted virtually, allowing global participation and collaboration.
Applications for the program are due by May 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST. More details and application information are available on the Mars Society's website. Educators are encouraged to share this opportunity with students, and promotional materials can be printed and distributed to encourage participation.
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