Space Commerce Institute and The Levan Center of Innovation Seek Participants for ‘Life on Mars’ Simulation

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Oct.10, 2023 — Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today announced that Space Commerce Institute and The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation are calling all space enthusiasts to participate in the “Life on Mars” simulation. This three-day habitat simulation will take place Jan. 26-28, 2024, during which teams will compete to sustain a settlement on Mars.

Hosted at The Levan Center of Innovation, 40 to 50 participants will be chosen for six simulation teams. Each team will work together to focus on Mars challenges and simulated crises. Participants will have the opportunity to work with NASA and other space industry experts to navigate the challenge. On the final day, teams will present what they learned and developed to a public audience.

Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Space Foundation vice president of space commerce and entrepreneurship, remarked, “As our teams converge for ‘Life on Mars,’ we ask them to embrace the red frontier and embark on a journey that echoes the spirit of exploration and humanities boundless curiosity. I am excited to see what creative ideas unfold as they work together to script an ending yet defined.”

Space Commerce Institute and The Levan Center of Innovation are committed to creating a collaborative environment in the space sector for industry, government, academia, entrepreneurs and investors to pursue entrepreneurial activities for the advancement of the South Florida economy. The “Life on Mars” simulation is one of many events in LEVL5: SPACE DOCK programming focused on space education and exploration. This program is designed to engage and inspire participants from diverse fields such as hospitality, agriculture, medicine and architecture, transcending traditional boundaries of the space industry.

“The Levan Center of Innovation planted the ’space flag’ in partnership with Space Foundation, linking the emerging space economy in South Florida to the Florida Space Coast, national and international space systems. The ‘Life on Mars’ initiative brings awareness and education opportunities to the region that previously did not exist, resulting in the potential for positive economic impact while supporting ’spacepreneurs’ seeking to break into the space sector.” said John Wensveen, executive director, Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation.

Individuals ages 18 or over from diverse and interdisciplinary fields are encouraged to apply. Applications close Oct. 27. For more information, visit www.levl5.space/life-on-mars.

About Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center)

The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation (Levan Center) is a public-private partnership between Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and Broward County. The Levan Center is the world’s first “theme park” for entrepreneurs and supporting stakeholders located in a 54,000 sq. ft. purpose-built facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Levan Center is focused on three themes (innovation, technology, entrepreneurship) and four pillars known as the Founder’s Journey (Ideate, Incubate, Accelerate, Post-Accelerate). The Levan Center serves the NSU and South Florida communities, resulting in breakthrough ideation, new technologies, job creation, talent skills pipeline, new company formation, philanthropic initiatives and scaling of early-stage and young startup companies. Each of the four pillars are supported by customized programs, events and wraparound services. The Levan Center is an economic and educational development engine for serving South Florida with local, regional, national and international impact. By powering the innovation ecosystem, the Levan Center is a major stakeholder in the establishment of a tech hub for Broward County and South Florida. For more information, please visit nova.edu/innovation.

About Space Commerce Institute

Space Commerce Institute, established in 2022 by Space Foundation’s Center for Innovation and Education, offers programs and resources that facilitate growth in the global space ecosystem through Space Foundation University, professional development, consulting and custom programming. Opportunities span 1) commercializing space patents (tech transfer), 2) utilizing non-space skill sets and unique talents for a space career (technology insertion), 3) building a business that offers a service or product to the space supply chain (knowledge transfer), and 4) leveraging space technology for a non-space company, like data and GPS applications. To learn more about Space Commerce Institute, visit https://cie.spacefoundation.org/space-commerce-institute-program.

About Space Foundation

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem. Driven by partnerships, Space Foundation unites the entire spectrum of stakeholders — business, government, education and local communities — through support from corporate members, sponsors, fundraising and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Tags: Space Foundation, Space Commerce Institute, Space Foundation University, Levan Center of Innovation, NSU Broward Center of Innovation, Life on Mars, space simulation, Mars simulation, space industry, space commerce, space economy, space technology, space innovation, space ecosystem, space advocate, space exploration, space-inspired industries, entrepreneurship

Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper
Vice President, Strategic Communications & Outreach
Space Foundation
(202) 596-0714
[email protected]

Dottie O’Rourke
TECHMarket Communications
(650) 344-1260
[email protected]

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