14 November 2024
How does it all unfold when Class 7B from BRGORG Henriettenplatz kicks off a simulated Mars mission? Roles and tasks were quickly assigned, and at exactly 3:29 PM, the mission to Mars began.
Following directives from Mission Control on Earth, all checks were carried out according to the provided checklists before the EVA* astronauts were allowed to leave the Mars habitat to collect rock samples. But time was running out, and the scientists had to hurry! Amidst rover steering, searching for the right rocks, and a brief communication hiccup, the students displayed at least as much composure as some "real" astronauts!For the students, one thing became clear very quickly: a successful space team needs more than just technical skills. This was evident during challenges such as difficulties putting on the equipment or the (imagined?) sighting of an alien. Quick thinking was required to safely bring the desired rocks and the astronauts back to the habitat!
What it takes is good communication, empathy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure for a mission to succeed. While the students already agreed on this before the mission, the hands-on experience made it impressively clear! In this spirit: all systems go!
*Extra Vehicular Activity
