Curious about what’s on the horizon?
The next phase of Model Mars will be driven by four goals:
- Enhance and recalibrate existing features, functionality, support and incentives, based on prototype feedback.
- Enlarge features and functionality, prioritizing the creation of infrastructure and activities that support continuous engagement and pathways for participants. These include development of new challenges (longer journeys and mini-challenges), ongoing development of settlements (existing or creation of new ones), and the organic creation of communities of interest by youth (e.g. around nature on Mars, post-human rights, fabrication and habitat design, etc). In addition, enabling pathways will be created for youth to apply their newly developed mind-sets, approaches, models or physical innovations, to efforts in the real-world, in partnership with actors in the space sector, and critically, with those working to realize the SDGs. We want them to not only-reimagine the futures they want, but to also redesign the systems to get there. MM will therefore work on “back-casting” and transitions design exercises and learning as well.
- Experiment with immersive, VR/AR technology and related platforms, as well as with a youth led public outreach component (e.g. taking inspiration from initiatives like Mars Kitchen and the Inter-galactic Travel Bureau).
- Expand the reach of Model Mars into different contexts around the world (formal and informal ed, more under-served environments, additional regions and countries) and increasing the numbers of teams and youth that participate in, and stay involved beyond, the challenge cycle.