MarsBound!: Mission to the Red Planet

MarsBound! is an engineering simulation activity in which learners use realistic techniques to plan a mission to Mars. The goal of this four-part activity is to use the excitement of Mars exploration as the hook for getting learners interested in the process of systems engineering design, science, and technology. During the activity, learners explore current science objectives, establish their own goals, consider engineering, budget, and safety constraints, build a spacecraft prototype, and write a complete design specifications report. Once successfully completed, learners can receive a "Certified Mission Planner" Certificate.