On Monday, our Year 9 GATE students visited the Western Australian Space Science Education Centre to participate in the Mission to Mars Program. Working in different roles, they experienced life in Mission Control, explored the surface of Mars and conducted investigations back on Earth in a science laboratory. Here’s what they had to say.
“As Mission Directors, we oversaw Mission Control, coordinated communication and supported our teams when problems arose. As astrogeologists, we also collected and analysed rock samples to investigate whether life may have once existed on Mars.” – Leilani and Lauren
“As Commanders, we coordinated exploration zones, used thermal cameras and monitored environmental conditions on Mars. We also managed communication with Mission Control and helped gather and present the scientific teams’ findings.” – Morgan and Byron
“As Media Officers and Data Decryption Specialists, we photographed the mission and solved codes to locate coordinates and important samples. Our roles relied on teamwork, problem-solving and clear communication between Mars and Mission Control.” – Dilan and Kylar
“As Chemists and Astrochemists, we collected Martian rock, sand and soil samples and compared them with samples from Earth. By testing their properties, we investigated evidence of past water and whether Mars could support plant growth or other life.” – Charice, Jethro and Cooper
“As Astrobiologists, we searched for evidence of water and collected samples to investigate past and future life on Mars. In the laboratory, we studied microorganisms and extremophiles to understand how life survives in extreme environments.” – Georgia and Chelsea
“As Physicists, we searched for meteorites and minerals, monitored seismic activity and investigated radiation on Mars. In the laboratory, we created craters and tested meteorites to better understand the processes shaping the Martian environment.” – Marcus and Heather
“As Engineers, we tested a rover across different terrain and shared our observations with Mission Control. In the laboratory, we evaluated its performance and recommended improvements, including extra wheels and better traction.” – Indi and Jack
