30 Girls Dream of Mars Missions

Thirty Bangladeshi girls have explored the challenges of a simulated Mars mission, from rocket launches and robotic exploration to building habitats and life-support systems. The educational programme aims to encourage girls to pursue space science, engineering and research while helping develop the next generation of women scientists and innovators.

Titled Girls Space Mission 2035 – Bangladesh, the programme was held at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Space Innovation Camp organised the initiative in collaboration with IUB’s Centre for Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics (CASA).

Participants gained a simulated experience of conducting a mission to Mars. They were divided into five specialised teams focusing on rocket and launch systems, Mars landers, Mars exploration rovers, Martian habitats, and Mars science and life-support systems.

Each team worked on different scientific and engineering aspects of a Mars mission. Through hands-on experiments, scientific inquiry, data analysis, collaborative problem-solving and mission simulations, participants learned about the challenges of space exploration.

The activities also offered opportunities to develop creativity, leadership, confidence, scientific thinking and teamwork.

Ariful Hasan Opu, president of Space Innovation Camp, said, “We believe every child has the potential to become a scientist, engineer or innovator. What they need is the right environment, opportunities for hands-on learning and the inspiration to dream. Through ‘Girls Space Mission 2035’, we did not simply want to teach 30 girls about space. We wanted to encourage them to become confident, think scientifically and dream big.

“Our goal is to work with these girls over the long term and support their skills development in space science, robotics, engineering and research. We want some of those taking part in today’s simulated Mars mission to represent Bangladesh in the future as space scientists, robotics engineers or international researchers.”

He added, “These 30 girls could make important contributions to Bangladesh’s space research and technological innovation in the years ahead. We want to build a generation that will not only use technology but also lead the development of new technologies.”

Long-Term Skills Development Plan

Space Innovation Camp plans to launch long-term educational and skills development activities for the 30 participants.

Planned activities include advanced training in space science, robotics, rocket technology and astronomy. The programme also aims to support research-based projects, the development of Mars exploration rover and habitat models, and regular space mission simulations.

Another plan is to establish a mentorship network connecting the girls with university students, scientists, researchers, engineers and technology professionals.

Through this network, participants may gain opportunities to join national and international science competitions, present research and take part in educational activities.

The initiative’s long-term goal is to help build a skilled and confident generation of women interested in space science, technology, engineering and research by 2035.

‘Girls Space Mission 2035’ is therefore more than a one-day educational programme. It is a long-term initiative to encourage Bangladeshi girls to pursue space exploration and scientific innovation.
//DBTech/MAHO/SMP/BPO//