Fifty years since the sun set on the Apollo program that put the first (American) man on the moon, lunar exploration is beginning a new phase with the Artemis program, whose target is to establish a permanent base on the Moon that could facilitate human missions to Mars. Unlike the Cold War-driven space race that fueled the Apollo missions, the Artemis program (named for the Greek goddess of the Moon and twin sister to the Sun-god Apollo) is a broadly collaborative effort among 29 countries and territories, including United States, the European Space Agency and agencies from Canada, the United Kingdom, India and Japan.

It is that spirit of collaboration and collective inspiration that brought Moon Camp to the Innovation Lab. The Moon Camp initiative is an educational venture in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the Airbus Foundation, partnered with technology company Autodesk. This groundbreaking initiative harnesses innovative learning technologies to beckon students into the enchanting world of lunar settlement design, utilizing a 3D modeling tool to stimulate creativity and scientific exploration.

Reflecting the mantra of the Innovation Lab, the Moon Camp club transcends traditional education by challenging students to envision and design their lunar settlement, fostering a deep engagement with the Moon’s unique environment. Anchored in learning-by-design principles and scientific experimentation, preparatory classroom activities set the stage for an exploration into the cosmos.
Currently, the Moon Camp club is made up of five dynamic minds from the Middle School, actively immersed in the process of crafting their lunar haven. Guided by the project’s ethos, students delve into the intricacies of lunar adaptation, local resource utilization, and the creation of protective, habitable spaces for astronauts.

Equipped with newfound knowledge and skills, students will work to master the art of 3D design using CAD tools. Their creative journey has already seen the conceptualization of a rocket and a space rover, paving the way for the club’s next ambitious steps. The upcoming phases involve delving into intricate details, expanding the Moon Camp base to incorporate accommodations, laboratories, and more – all essential elements for sustaining human life on the lunar surface.
Moon Camp isn’t just about designing structures; it’s about nurturing a new generation of lunar explorers. The Moon Camp experience, with its fusion of creativity and technology, promises to leave an indelible mark on the minds of these young visionaries, inspiring a future where the Moon is not just an object in the night sky but a canvas for human ingenuity and the possibility empowered through collaboration and intellectual curiosity.

“Set your sights beyond the horizon and aim for the moon! As you embark on the MoonCamp Challenge, let your imagination be the launchpad for lunar exploration,” coach Aristotelis Thymianos reminds the Moon Camp club. “Your teamwork, creativity, and dedication will be the key to unlocking the mysteries of the moon. Dream big, reach for the lunar skies, and may your MoonCamp journey be filled with discovery and success.”