Mission Control Workshop (Part 1 and 2)

The Mission Control Workshop (yrs 7 - 10) combines Civics and STEM skills in a two-part workshop, delivered at the Australian Space Discovery Centre and Parliament of South Australia.

What would it take to support human life on Mars? Using civic planning and design thinking skills, student teams will develop creative solutions to future industry challenges on the Martian surface.

Part 1: From Parliament to Mars (90 mins)
South Australia is going to attempt to terraform Mars. A Parliamentary Committee completed an inquiry into what industries would need to be taken to Mars for this project, and the report identified 12 industries. The problem? The budget will only cover 10 out of 12 industries.
The Mars Space Mission Bill 2026 needs to pass both Houses of Parliament to determine which 10 industries will be going. The Government, Opposition, Minor Parties and specific electorates/Members all have different industry priorities. Students complete a role play passage of a bill to decide the 10 industries.
Students will think critically about the skills and knowledge needed for a successful mission to Mars. They will debate and vote on industries to send on the mission in a way that mirrors South Australia’ parliamentary process.

Part 2: Life on Mars (90 mins)
Students will work collaboratively to complete a hands-on design challenge based on industries that can be taken to Mars. They will draw inspiration from real space projects to consider how to sustainably power operations, feed the population, and communicate across the far reaches of space.

Back-to-back sessions
Part 1 and Part 2 can be completed in any order. Both combinations are available during our back-to-back sessions.
This combined workshop experience (10:00am – 2:00pm) will take place along North Terrace in Adelaide, South Australia.

Group A (start at SA Parliament followed by ASDC):
SA Parliament 10:00 – 11:45
Break 11:45 – 12:15
ASDC 12:15 – 2:00

Group B (start at ASDC followed by SA Parliament):
ASDC 10:00 – 11:45
Break 11:45 – 12:15
SA Parliament 12:15 – 2:00

Please book with the details of the contact who will be attending. Bookings are by group, so only one ticket is required.
Home-school groups, TAFE, and university groups can also book (min. 15 students).
****please note that this program is not for individual student bookings***

Not in SA? Check out Science Gallery Melbourne for Victorian Mission Control.

The Australian Space Discovery Centre has created several resources for teachers and schools to learn more about the venue, its operations, and the Centre-wide disability access. Please visit our website to download our Sensory Guide, Certificate of Currency, and Venue Risk Assessment.

The Parliament of South Australia has information regarding details for entering Parliament and accessibility on their website.