Lockheed Martin Bring Students to Mars With Simulation School Bus

For its Generation Beyond program, global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin is launching kids into space via a digitally-rigged school bus. Patterning their approach after the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) model, the national education initiative aims to inspire and motivate kids across the nation by engaging young minds through technology. According to Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed Martin chair, president, and CEO: “Our children…make up a generation that will change our universe forever. This is the generation that will walk on Mars, explore deep space and unlock mysteries that we can’t yet imagine. They won’t get there alone. It is our job to prepare, inspire and equip them to build the future – and that’s exactly what Generation Beyond is designed to do.” Perhaps the highlight of the program is Mars Experience where students can ride aboard a school bus to witness how it’s like to drive over 200 square miles on the Red Planet’s surface. The experience is capped off with access to Hello Mars; an app tracking the Mars’ weather and real-time location in the nighttime sky. The simulation vehicle is the first of its kind and will be giving rides to students nationwide.