Countdown to Mars: Announcing Our Top Authors
We are thrilled to unveil the talented young students whose stories have been selected for publication in our Mission to Mars book!
Aerospace Chief Engineer and Author, Julie Newman, announced the published stories and the chosen Mission Patch design during our press conference at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on National STEM Day, November 8, 2024.
This event made history as schools across the USA joined via livestream. With entries from Idaho, Minnesota, Illinois, Arizona, California, Michigan, and beyond, the imaginations and dreams of our future space travelers are truly soaring!
Our Student Writers are Mars Bound!
The assignment: Imagine yourself twenty years from now, one of five teammates on an epic 30-day journey to Mars—a first in the history of space travel. Can you picture it? This isn’t just any creative writing task; it’s your chance to step into your future shoes and script a bold adventure that people today will read in awe. Do you have the imagination, the guts, and the talent to make it real?
The Athenian “Mission to Mars: Space Diary” Contest called on students to dream big and envision their own mission to the Red Planet. With a treasure trove of resources—from research and recorded interviews to writing prompts and sessions with NASA experts—this contest was all about sparking your creativity and bringing your vision of the future to life. Guided by industry giants like New York Times Best Seller Garth Stein, rocket engineer Adam Laakmann, and five NASA experts, our students received top-tier coaching and insider knowledge to fuel their stories. Those who submitted their tales? They nailed it, making the future as real as it gets!
Write the Story
Unleash your imagination! Dive into our creative prompts to craft your story of space exploration.
Design the Patch
Be a part of the mission! Design the Mission Patch that will be the symbol of our journey and worn by all.
Q&A with NASA
Join exclusive virtual meetings with NASA specialists to have questions about life in space and on Mars answered.
Meet the Industry Experts
Meet the dream team of industry experts guiding our future Mars explorers—the writers of today, soaking up wisdom from the industry’s top experts. We didn’t just gather any mentors; we assembled the best of the best to teach the art of creative writing and how to nail down a powerful message. Then, we reached out to the space pioneers making today’s magic happen. Together, they’re imagining something epic—space flight from Earth to Mars in just 30 days, packed with thrilling adventures, engineering marvels, and life-changing experiences. Buckle up, because this journey is one for the history books!
Julie Newman
SpaceX, NASA, Boeing, Author
Emily Judd
NASA Langley
Andrew Sais
NASA Langley
Karma Snyder
NASA Stennis
Calvin Thompson
NASA Stennis
Garth Stein
NYT Best Selling Author
Kristin V Shaw
Journalist
Adam Laakmann
Ballistician
Katie Lechner
Research Leader
Loxley Browne
Athenian CEO
Save the Dates
As with any big rocket launch, there are crucial dates to hit, and we’ve still got some big ones on the calendar. While the window to submit a book or patch design has officially closed, the excitement is far from over. The big reveal of the writers featured in the published book is just around the corner! Mark your calendars and stay tuned—this is one countdown you won’t want to miss!
Winners Will Receive:
Story published in the Mission to Mars: Space Diary book
Opportunity for book to be autographed by all in attendance
Meet Julie Newman at the Press Conference
VIP Behind-the-Scenes tour of the Air & Space Museum
Spotlight feature through Athenian online channels
Certification of Creation signed by Athenian, San Diego Air & Space Museum Officials, and Julie Newman
Story highlight in AviNation Magazine
Portfolio piece and resume builder to share during interviews
Proudly Presented By
FAMILY DONORS:
Mohan
Suddarth
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 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!
Mission to Mars: Space Diary Contest Rules
The Athenian Mission to Mars Space Diary Contest opens May 1, 2024. The submission portal is currently accepting submissions and concludes on September 1, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST for all registered students. Submissions are limited to one entry per student. Entries must be submitted through the portal that will be sent to all registered students via Athenian’s Discovery Zone Martian Community.
Eligibility
The contest is open to all children in grades 6-12 who are attending public, private, parochial, and home schools in the United States of America and children of U.S. military members stationed overseas.
Submission Requirements
- Students must be registered to receive free access to Athenian’s Mission to Mars Contest.
- All submissions must follow the writing prompts provided and be the original work of the student.
- Students must be currently enrolled in grades 6 – 12.
- The contest is limited to one entry per student.
- Contest submissions must be a word document.
Submitting Entries
- Each entry must include a signed submission form completed by a parent or legal guardian for each student during the submission process.
- Any artwork included (optional, not required) should be submitted as a high-resolution image of the student’s original artwork and must be submitted in .jpg or .png format (minimum of 2,400 pixels on the longest edge).
Judging and Criteria
Athenian Board Members will select the top submissions and present them to a panel of judges. Judges will make selections based on the below criteria to determine which stories will be recognized.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate each entry:
- Originality and Creativity: The uniqueness of the story idea and the creativity demonstrated in its execution. Looking for fresh perspectives, imaginative scenarios, and innovative plotlines.
- Adherence to Theme: How well the story reflects the theme of a Mission to Mars by NASA in 2044. Ensure that the narrative aligns with the scientific principles and goals of space exploration.
- Scientific Accuracy: Accuracy of the scientific concepts presented in the story. While the project encourages creativity, it’s essential that the narrative maintains a foundation of scientific realism.
- Character Development: Depth and complexity of the characters in the story. Looking for well-developed protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters, as well as their motivations and relationships.
- Writing Quality: Overall quality of writing, including grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and style. Looking for clear, concise prose that effectively communicates the story and engages the reader.
- Imagination and Vision: Extent to which the story offers a compelling vision of a future mission to Mars. Looking for imaginative world-building, vivid descriptions, and thoughtful exploration of technological advancements and societal implications.
- Narrative Structure: Coherence and pacing of the story. Looking for a well-structured plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end, as well as effective transitions between scenes and chapters.
- Engagement and Impact: Ability of the story to captivate and inspire the reader. Looking for elements that evoke emotion, provoke thought, or spark curiosity about space exploration and the possibilities of the future.
- Relevance to Target Audience: Create a story for students in grades 6 through 12. Looking for themes, characters, and storytelling techniques that resonate with young readers and encourage their participation in the project.
- Overall Impressions: Overall assessment of the story, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and potential for publication in the book.
Important Note: All factors are important and will be considered in the evaluation process.
Recognition
- All participants will receive a Certificate of Creation. In addition, select projects will be chosen to be highlighted and showcased through Athenian online channels and in other locations as appropriate.
- The participants who are shortlisted to the Top 25 will be notified on October 1, 2024 and highlighted thru online channels.
- The Top 25 will be invited to attend the in-person Press Conference on November 8, 2024 in San Diego (travel and lodging not included).
- The Top 3 will be announced at the Press Conference held at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on November 8, 2024.