Beyond the Red Planet

formerly · Mission to Mars

“SpaceX is going to Mars. So are we — rovers, landers, the works.”

Ages 5 – 7

Cadets

Junior Innovators

Cadets begin their summer with Mars-themed missions — building and programming space-inspired robots, running navigation and rescue runs, and coding projects inspired by rockets, astronauts and planetary exploration.

Highlight activity

VinciBot Mars Explorer — Mission Storytelling

Cadets program the VinciBot to narrate its Mars mission using movement, LED animations and interactive storytelling.

Highlight activity

LEGO SPIKE Space Radar — Scan the Red Planet

Teams build a working space radar with LEGO SPIKE Essential to simulate scanning and exploring the Martian surface.

Learning focus

Understanding robot movement and instructions
Sequencing and logical thinking
Creativity and imagination
Teamwork and communication

Ages 8 – 11

Pioneers

Tech Explorers

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Pioneers run autonomous navigation challenges, obstacle courses and robotic rescue missions, exploring how engineers design systems for extreme environments.

Highlight activity

Micro:bit Planetary Lander — Safe Landing Challenge

Builders prototype a planetary lander using micro:bit and an ultrasonic sensor, detecting ground proximity to nail a controlled landing.

Highlight activity

VinciBot Light-Seeking Mars Rover

Pioneers program a VinciBot to autonomously chase ambient light — the same logic intelligent rovers use to navigate.

Learning focus

Robot movement and navigation
Sensor-based problem-solving
Sequencing and automation
Team collaboration and creativity

Ages 12 +

Architects

Future Makers

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Using Arduino, Raspberry Pi and Python, Architects prototype rover systems, environmental monitoring solutions and autonomous navigation concepts inspired by modern space programs.

Highlight activity

Arduino Planetary Lander — Safe Landing System

An Arduino-driven lander with ultrasonic sensing — detect ground distance, throttle descent, and stick the landing.

Highlight activity

Python Solar System Simulator

Architects build a dynamic solar system in Python Turtle, visualising planetary orbits through code and animation.

Learning focus

Robotics engineering fundamentals
Sensor integration and automation
Design thinking and prototyping
Computational problem-solving