PAL Enforcers Artemis III Rover Observation And Discoveries in Space (ROADS) Challenge team has achieved an extraordinary milestone by being one of only eight middle school teams (thirteen teams total) nationwide invited to the prestigious Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This invitation came as a reward for completing all eight mission objectives (MOs) in the Artemis III ROADS Challenge. The team successfully completed all MOs and submitted virtually. Three hundred thirty-three teams initially registered for the ROADS Challenge nationwide with only 139 teams completing their MOs and submitting their final Mission Development Log (MDL).
Organized by the Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pipeline (NESSP), the ROADS Challenge tasks students with designing and executing mission objectives simulating real NASA objectives and upcoming missions. The 2024-2025 challenge focused on the upcoming Artemis III mission, which will return astronauts to the lunar surface.
The PAL Enforcers Artemis middle school team showcased exceptional teamwork, creativity, research and technical skill as they planned and carried out mission objectives such as growing food on the moon, investigating water on Earth and the moon, creating their own mission patch, designing a human rated rocket and Roving under the moon. As part of the yearlong challenge, teams were invited to virtually attend NASA expert talks with a Lunar Geotechnical Scientist, Planetary Scientist and Mission Patch Specialist.
“This has been an incredible journey,” said Michelle Stella Riordan, PAL Enforcers Artemis III team mentor. “This team worked tirelessly to learn about NASA’s plan to return to the moon. They have shown true innovation, teamwork and determination to complete their mission objectives. Being invited to Kennedy Space Center is a once in a lifetime reward for their hard work. We covered a lot of topics, and I could not be prouder of them!”
Team members included Ava and Emma Abdrabouh from Galloway Township, Jane Heng from Ocean City, Ela Comlekciogullari, Sandhana Rajesh and Srejon Sikder (could not attend the trip) from Egg Harbor Township
“S.T.E.M. Education opportunities are more important than ever,” stated Hector Tavarez, executive director of the Police Activities League of Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic County. “Besides teaching critical thinking skills, kids can also develop a passion for innovation. S.T.E.M. gives our kids the skills that will make them more employable and ready to meet the current labor demand which is important in our complex and ever-changing world.”
The trip to Kennedy Space Center in August offered the team a behind the scenes look at a renowned NASA facility and the opportunity to engage with like-minded students. This accomplishment not only highlights their passion for space exploration but also underscores the importance of STEM education and youth engagement in shaping the future of science and discovery. Besides touring Kennedy Space Center, the team visited Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and watched two rocket launches (1 daytime and 1 nighttime launch)
NESSP serves as a “virtual NASA center” for residents of the U.S.’s northwest — covering Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. NASA centers have traditionally acted as hubs for professional development for educators, access points for NASA educational materials, and on-site experiences for educators and students. Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways is funded by the NASA Science Mission Directorate.
