Mars mission to spark interest in science

School students are being encouraged to see their future in the stars, with the launch of a science project focusing on Mars.

"We've all looked at the night sky in wonder. It's their generation that will bring with it new understandings," Federal Science Minister Kim Carr said on Thursday.

Pathway to Space, launched at the Sydney Powerhouse Museum, will give senior high school students the opportunity to plan a simulated robotic mission to the red planet.

The focus is on astrobiology, a branch of biology that deals with the possibility that life exists outside the earth's immediate environment.

The students will have access to astrobiologists and robotic engineers in Australia and overseas via telepresence facilities in the museum's Thinkspace digital studio, as they consider science and engineering factors critical to the success of their Mars mission.

Software will allow students to drive a virtual Mars rover, before controlling one of the two experimental Mars rovers in the museum's Mars yard.

The yard includes simulated Mars terrain and genuine artefacts.

Mr Carr said he hoped today's students would lead the space missions of the future.

"Over 2000 young Australians will have an opportunity to see first hand the potential of cutting edge space and robotic engineering," he said at the launch.

"I trust there will be many thousand more who will be connected to project through the telepresence technology."

Students would be in direct contact with scientists, engineers and university students throughout to the project to encourage them to consider science and engineering university courses and careers, Mr Carr said.