NASA/KSCVC: SUMMER OF MARS
MOBILE TOUR AND CONCEPTING
When NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitors' Center asked our team to come up with concepts for a tour to increase consideration as a destination/vacation, we jumped at the chance. Originally, the concept began with a teaser dome that displayed a projected countdown, the interior containing a Martian base. That idea morphed into a less intensive campus with STEM-based games and activities, as well as digital components for smaller activations and at-home play. Ultimately, the project was whittled-down to a mobile tour of the Mars Rover designed by the same shop that built the latest Batmobile.
TEASER DOME
MEDIA STUNT
The initial concept kicked-off with a mysterious dome that appears overnight, with projected countdown graphics. Upon 00:00:00, the doors open to reveal an emersive Martian environment with interactive displays.
BASECAMP 1
SEMI-PERMANENT INSTALLATION
This deluxe experience is a complete buildout of a Martian basecamp, complete with turf and structures housing STEM-based experiences.
ROVER GARAGE
SEMI-PERMANENT INSTALLATION
The tour culminates in a hands-on display of a concept rover that could one day find itself on the Red Planet.
DOME LABS
SEMI-PERMANENT INSTALLATION
Each dome contains an activation specific to one aspect of STEM learning. Each is connected, which forms a linear, winding experience.
VIRTUAL HOST
INTERACTIVE REGISTRATION
Projection graphics create a "holographic" host, keeping you entertained whilst you wait for entry.
LITE EXPERIENCE
SEMI-PERMANENT INSTALLATION
Whether the site (or the budget) is too small, the rover garage is still a compelling version of the experience that can live on it's own.
LOGISTICS
PRACTICAL AND DIGITAL GAMES
How much weight can your craft carry, and how do you pack it all? What will you take? What is dying of dysentery like... in space?
ASTROGATION
PRACTICAL AND DIGITAL GAMES
How many orbits of the Earth, and at what velocity, will it take to get there? What does it feel like to walk on the surface of Mars? If you have to fix your ship, how do you climb in low gravity or twist a bolt?
PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
PRACTICAL AND DIGITAL GAMES
Where can you safely land, which geography is to your benefit? Which crops will you grow? How many calories can you harvest with the least amount of effort?
WINNING
MOBILE TOUR
In the end, the mobile tour became an exercise in operations and logistics... simply touring the concept vehicle. But, I'm proud to say the art got NASA excited enough to hire us!