SAN DIEGO — "Mission to Mars," a new book released on National STEM Day, gives us a look at the future of space exploration through the eyes of children.
An essay contest asked students from across the country to reach for the stars and dream big. They were asked to imagine life on Mars, 20 years into the future, and now three of them will have their work published.
"It was about five crew members, one of them being me, experiencing some challenges," Thomas Diepstraten said, who is a 7th grader from Idaho. He came in third place.
"I like this feeling of discovering the unknown and pushing the limits of human knowledge," Jaidyn Rethman said, who is a freshman from Michigan. She won first place.
Marijka Ristic, a 9th grader from Illinois took second place.
"I feel like it came a lot from my dreams, more than anything else," Sreshta Mothukuri said, who is sophomore from Minnesota.
They are the future of the space race. Young bright minds excited and interested in exploring our universe.
"By the time I'm in the industry, I might be able to actually work on bringing people to Jupiter, so I really hope that's what I'm able to do in the future," Rethman added.
"I really want to code rovers to explore other planets," Diepstraten said.
The Mission to Mars contest was put on by the non-profit Athenian, which focuses on students interested in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The essay prompted them to write about being the first crew on board a 30-day mission to Mars - right now, it takes closer to 300 days.
"It makes me super proud of myself for sticking with it," Rethman said.
"Her story is a total page-turner," Athenian Founder and CEO Loxley Browne said.
"Her story is filled with heart and spirit of discovery, showing us that Mars is more than a destination, it's a new beginning," said Julie Newman, who is a fellow author, engineer and Friday's keynote speaker.
"I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up, and yet I went on to get a degree in electrical engineering and now design electronics that are flying in space," Newman said.
She said every submission was filled with adventure, new technology, teamwork, courage and hope, which really showcases the limitless ambition of this next generation.
"You have the skills that are needed to solve big problems, you have the power to make the world and the universe a better place," Newman added. "Your story is a true testament to the power of imagination and we are honored to share it with the world."
The Mission to Mars book is now out and available here.