Outschool Brings Live Learning to “Mars” As Kids Join Real Space Research in Global Virtual Event

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — January 14, 2026 — Outschool, the leading live online learning platform for kids, announced today a one-of-a-kind virtual event that will allow learners around the world to communicate live with a simulated Mars mission, complete with a real Earth-to-Mars communication delay. Taking place on February 4, the 80-minute live event will allow learning to tune in, ask questions, collaborate during the wait, and receive responses from the Mars analog crew, turning delay into discovery.

The live event is free and designed for kids ages 5-18 and will take place at 12 pm PT:

• Register here: www.outschool.com/campaigns/live-from-mars

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In partnership with veteran Outschool educator Tom Bickmore, who will serve as Crew Journalist during an upcoming mission at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, the event invites kids to experience what it’s truly like to talk to people on another planet. “When humans go to Mars, communication won’t be instant, but it can still feel human,” says Bickmore, space educator and MDRS Crew Journalist. “Kids are incredibly candid about their experiences, which makes them perfect participants in this kind of research.”

On a real Mars mission, messages take approximately 10 minutes to transmit between planets due to their distance. In this event, kids will experience this same delay each way—turning this wait into a fun challenge where participants can ask questions, work together while waiting, and feel what it’s really like to chat with someone on another planet.

“This is live learning at its best,” said Head of Outschool Amir Nathoo. “Kids aren’t just watching history, they’re helping shape the future of how humans connect across planets.”

To register to watch, submit questions, and follow daily mission updates, register here. 

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About Outschool
Outschool offers a better way to prepare kids ages 1–18 for a world that demands creativity, adaptability, and real-world skills. With over 140,000 live online classes taught by passionate educators, Outschool empowers families to design an education as unique as their child. More information at outschool.com.

About The Mars Society and MDRS

The Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) facility is built and operated by The Mars Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the human exploration and permanent settlement of Mars. The Mars analog crew includes scientists, engineers, and researchers from multiple countries who are conducting experiments in astrobiology, hydroponics, chemistry, and human connection in space. Insights from the event will inform ongoing research on future Mars missions.