Join us as KiwiSpace embarks on a unique journey
to explore a surreal world during a simulated mission to Mars.
Six crew-members will be heading deep into the Utah desert in April/May 2012,
to undertake a 2-week mission of exploration and research at the Mars Desert Research Station. Follow them as they train and undertake this exciting project.
Mission Support Now Live Follow the crew through live webcams, mission logs, interactive maps, science updates, and more!
Develop and refine methods for effective tele-education and outreach;
Educate the public about the importance of space science missions;
Foster international science and education connections and generate future opportunities for New Zealand partnerships.
The KiwiMars 2012 Project has two major components
KiwiMars Expedition
A crew of six will live and work at the Mars Desert Research Station for a period of two weeks, from 22 April to 6 May 2012 (NZST). They will strictly follow the site protocols which help emulate the working and living conditions of a real Mars-base, as they perform science, research and exploration tasks; and communicate with educators and students 'back on Earth'
KiwiMars Outreach
Commencing ahead of the expedition will be an education and outreach programme.
This will include:
Online and printed material for students and the public
Engagement with schools, to encourage relevant in-classroom science projects during the expedition;
Post expedition activities, including school visits, classroom presentations, development of learning resources, and distribution of the final science and expedition reports.
Mission Control
Carter Observatory Wellington is the headquarters of our Mission Control for the duration of the expedition. Watch this space to see how you can get involved in the outreach and research of the KiwiMars 2012 Expedition and interact life with the crew from location.
Visit Mission Control live at Carter Observatory during the expedition.
Explore this site
Commander's Log
The commander of the expedition will keep you posted with the latest progress in the preparation of the project.
Happy Anniversary KiwiSpace(12 Apr 2012)
Today we (KiwiSpace) are officially one year old. Looking back I'm very proud of all that we achieved during this year:launching a balloon to the edge of space, visiting schools, covering space shuttles launches, creating the world's first World Space Week podcast, seeing the 8th grade of the "What if" competition won by New Zealand just to count the few. But the thing that I am most proud is to be part of a team that dreams about New Zealand being out there at the forefront of space sciences. During this year we had effective support coming from friends of space across New Zealand and abroad and that gave me wings, made everything worthwhile. So thank you to all of you who personally made the difference in my life!
Looking forward to what the future will bring and see you on 'Mars' in 10 days!
21 March - meet KiwiMars Crew at Mission Control - Carter Observatory(1 Mar 2012)
With exactly one month to go until the first NZ crew begin their 2 week expedition at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, Carter Observatory will host an evening of Mars exploration. Meet some of the crew, find out more about their mission and learn about the Red Planet. Bookings are essential!... Read more
Happy New Year in the Month of Mars(1 Mar 2012)
Today is the first day of March, marking the beginning of the Springtime in the Northern Hemisphere. The ancient Romans and the ancient people of Dacia (my tupuna) called this month, 'of Mars' - Martie, transliterated March into English. They used to wear a Martzishor is the diminutive of martz, the old folk name for March (Martie, in modern Romanian), and thus literally means "little March".
1st of March was also the beginning of the year for the ancient Romans. Mars was not only the God of War but considered an agricultural guardian ensuring the rebirth of all nature.
E-mail
