From Mars Mission Challenge finalists to Lockheed Martin engineers, see how early inspiration helps build the best.
From Intern to Industrial Engineer
Engineers Week is a time to recognize the innovators and problem-solvers transforming our future. We use this week as an opportunity to celebrate the next generation of explorers.
In October, we launched the Mars Mission Challenge, inviting U.S. high school students to design solutions for living and working on Mars. Students from across the country submitted creative concepts that tackle the real challenges of life on the Red Planet.
We selected five finalist teams to advance to the final round. The winning team will earn an unforgettable opportunity: a trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, where they’ll take part in hands-on STEM activities and simulated missions that mirror real-world exploration.
As Engineers Week unfolds, we’re proud to support programs that spark curiosity and help students see themselves as future engineers. With the Mars Mission Challenge winner heading to Space Camp, we’re also reflecting on our own employees whose early experiences there helped launch their STEM careers — proof that when inspiration lifts off early, the trajectory can last a lifetime.
Meet Kat
Question: What originally drew you to Space Camp and how old were you when you attended?
Answer: I always had an interest in space. My parents said when I was a toddler, I would get cranky if the moon was not out and I wanted to see it. My 7th grade science teacher told my parents that I needed to go to Space Camp and they were able to make it happen. I went summer in between 7th and 8th grade and then talked about it SO much that my grandfather funded me to go again the next summer after 8th grade graduation.
Question: How has your understanding of space changed from your Space Camp days to working in the aerospace industry today?
Answer: I think one of the biggest things is how many people are involved but also at the same time how the industry is small. Everyone is so mission-oriented and pushing to the same goal of exploring the universe. Finding passionate and curious people to work with day to day is a true gem.
Meet Oliver
Question: How did Space Camp change the way you thought about what was possible for your future?
Answer: I grew up in a community where a lot of people’s parents were working in the automotive industry, whether as an engineer or supporting manufacturing. Attending space camp opened my mind to what I thought was possible for myself, and the career fields that were attainable.
Question: What’s one Space Camp memory that still sticks with you years later?
Answer: Getting lunch with an astronaut and doing a “mock” spacewalk (getting hung from the ceiling) sticks out to me the most.
Meet Julie
Question: What’s one Space Camp memory that still sticks with you years later?
Answer: I went to Space Camp twice as a kid and then worked there for 4 summers training high school students to fly the Space Shuttle. During one of the summers, the entire cast of the Apollo 13 movie attended camp to experience what it was like to fly a simulated mission.
Question: How has your sense of wonder about space changed from Space Camp to today?
Answer: During my Space Camp days, I could only imagine the brilliant engineers, scientists, and program managers who worked on space programs – now I get to work with them every day. Definitely a privilege!
Ready to Launch?
These stories reflect the power of early STEM experiences and the lasting impact they can have. As we look ahead to announcing the Mars Mission Challenge winner, we’re inspired by the possibility that today’s students could become tomorrow’s engineers, innovators and explorers.
At Lockheed Martin, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Every day, our teams bring curiosity, collaboration and technical excellence to work on missions that have real impact around the world.
If you are looking for a place where your skills can grow and your work can make a difference, explore opportunities to join our team. The next generation of innovators is already on its way. You could be part of what comes next.