Mission to Mars:
Exploring the Reddest Planet
Thomas Diepstraten
The mission is clear: Mars is within our reach, and humanity will flourish.
Book Exerpt…
As night fell and the crew began to settle in for the night, I found myself in the cockpit again, staring out into the endless void. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still out there, waiting for us. But whatever it was, we would face it together, just like we always had.
Mars was getting closer, and with it, humanity’s new discoveries would flourish. All we had to do was hold on for a little longer.
–Thomas Diepstraten, The Reddest Planet
“This story offers a compelling glimpse into what space travel could be like in 20 years, blending futuristic elements—like hyperdrive—with a grounded narrative that allows readers to immerse themselves in the journey. Written more as a novel than a personal diary, it provides room for imagination while maintaining a structured flow through daily logs. With clear character development and thought-provoking challenges, it serves as a reminder that even the simplest things can’t be taken for granted in space. Engage your imagination, feel the characters’ emotions, and you’ll find yourself right there with them, heading to the red planet.” – Zach Sharpell
Meet Thomas Diepstraten
Our 3rd Place Winner, Thomas Diepstraten, is a 12-year-old 7th grader from Idaho City, Idaho, with a passion for learning and exploration.
Thomas dreams of becoming a Software Developer in the Space Industry, driven by his love for bringing ideas to life. The thought of designing a rover, sending it to another planet, and watching it collect data excites him—combining his creativity with the vast possibilities of space.
Beyond his fascination with technology, Thomas is an avid speedcuber, with a World Cubing Association-recorded personal best of 15.36 seconds and an unofficial record of 11.93 seconds. He also enjoys running cross country, often with one of his two dogs—a Labrador Retriever and a Belgian Malinois—by his side. At home, he shares his adventures with his parents and younger brother, always seeking the next challenge to solve.
GRADE
Career of Choice:
Software Developer
Intended Career Path:
Work in the Space Industry
“I was eager to take on a project over the summer since I had nothing to do but sit around. Then, I received an email about this opportunity. The very next day, I shared it with my parents and immediately signed up. They were just as excited as I was!” – Tommy
Mission to Mars: A Journey Like No Other
An Anthology of Unforgettable Adventures from Award-Winning Young Authors
Mission to Mars is not just a book—it’s the final chapter in an inspiring contest by young visionaries from across the USA. Experience the captivating stories that brought these dreams of space exploration to life.
Your purchase helps fund the innovative programs that Athenian provides, supporting students who love STEM, creativity, and communication. By investing in this book, you’re also investing in the future of education and the next generation of explorers, builders, and storytellers. Thank you for making a difference!
It’s Not Too Late!
You might have missed the contest, but the adventure is far from over! You can still subscribe to the course and dive into writing your own Mission to Mars story. Imagine your life 20 years from now as you embark on a 30-day journey to Mars with your four teammates.
By subscribing to the Mission to Mars course, you’ll gain access to exclusive interviews with experts, thought-provoking writing prompts, and all the worksheets you need to fuel your creative writing journey.
Don’t let the countdown end—subscribe today and let your story take flight!
