Live Learning.  
All the way from Mars.

Join a global virtual event where kids communicate live with a simulated Mars mission — complete with real Earth-to-Mars time delay.*

This Isn’t Just a Livestream.
It’s a Real Experiment.

During this event, learners will communicate with a Mars analog crew experiencing real mission conditions — including a 10–20 minute communication delay. While waiting for responses, kids collaborate, discuss, and think like real scientists. Submit your question for our Mars guide to answer live during our webinar.

*Registrants required to be 18 or older.

Key Details:

Wednesday, February 4, 12pm PST

80 minutes

Global virtual event, live from the Mars Desert Research Station

Submit your question!

Real Mars analog mission (MDRS, Utah)

Real communication delay

Real scientists and engineers

Real kids, real curiosity

Meet your guide from Mars

Teacher Tom

Space & Engineering Educator, MDRS Crew Journalist

Teacher Tom is an Analog Astronaut selected for an upcoming mission at the Mars Desert Research Station. He is known for turning complex science into “aha” moments through energetic, curiosity-driven classes. A longtime Outschool STAR Educator, he brings rocket science and engineering to life with humor, warmth, and clarity, creating classes learners find engaging, confidence-building, and unforgettable.

6,000+ hours teaching live

Learners in 40+ countries

Specializes in space, engineering, and systems thinking

View Teacher Profile

Comms Window On Standby

January 14, 2026

Crew 328 Pre-Mission Update – January 14, 2026 Journalist: Tom Bickmore (Teacher Tom)

Sol -11 (Pre-sim): 11 days to sim entry

Crew 328 is in final prep mode before stepping into the Hab on Jan 25. I'm dialing in my project: near-live video classes with students, using constant but ~10-minute delayed feeds in both directions to simulate real Mars-Earth comms lag. Should make for some interesting delayed Q&A sessions while we're "on Mars."

We're packing key gear and studying safety protocols. We are coordinating our other experiments together: growing tomatoes from seeds sent from the ISS, hydroponics designs, and bacteria to clean Martian regolith. I'm also testing some recipes for cooking with freeze-dried food.

The team is excited for isolation, desert EVAs, science work, and keeping the sim tight. This rotation will blend real analog challenges with education outreach—bringing Mars exploration straight to kids on Earth!

More to come once we're suited up and reporting from inside the Hab. Stay tuned!

Next Mission Log

Get to know Teacher Tom!

How our event works

Watch Live

Families around the world join a live broadcast from the Mars analog mission.

Ask Questions

Learners submit questions to the Mars crew (in advance and live).

Wait, Like Astronauts Do

Because Mars is far away, answers take time. During the delay, kids submit predictions and ideas while student experts interact live with the Mars crew, turning the wait into an active part of the mission experience.

Connection Across the Distance

A real communication delay reveals how connections change—but don’t disappear—across space.

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Frequently asked questions

See Outschool Membership Terms for more details and requirements.

Who can attend Live from Mars?

Live from Mars is for learners and families, with registration completed by a parent or guardian age 18 or older. No astronaut experience required.

How do we join the event?

The event takes place as a live Zoom webinar. You can join from a computer, tablet, or phone using a web browser or the Zoom app. This event will be viewed only, with no participation via video or voice. Participants will be able to submit questions and comments via the chat.

What is the Earth-to-Mars time delay?

Just like real space missions, messages take time to travel between Earth and Mars. While those messages are in transit, learners will hear from guests and have chances to win prizes.

Can learners ask questions?

Yes. Learners can submit questions ahead of time using the form above, and selected questions will be shared with the Mars analog crew during the event.

What if we can’t attend live?

The event will be recorded and shared with families who register, so you can watch afterward if you are unable to join live.

Live Learning. All the way from Mars.

This Isn’t Just a Livestream.It’s a Real Experiment.