Mission Phoenix: A Lasting Legacy in Public Engagement
A project developed to engage the public with the breadth of work behind real space missions has since become a popular staple in our public engagement programme.
2024 was a busy year for RAL Space public engagement, with much of our focus revolving around the major Harwell Open Week event.
For the first time in nine years, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus opened its doors to 2,000 school children and over 10,000 members of the public – offering a rare opportunity to experience world-class science and facilities up close.
In addition to welcoming visitors to our laboratories and space test facilities, RAL Space ran “Mission Phoenix”, an escape-room-style activity for schools and the public.
Set on the fictional Ember Island that faces recurring wildfires, Mission Phoenix challenged teams to complete tasks designed to help bring residents to safety. From suiting up in clean room gear, to using infrared cameras to detect heat sources, and analysing real satellite images, each task brings participants closer to the mission’s goal: preparing a new satellite that will keep a watchful eye over Ember Island to monitor future wildfires.
Student’s arranging satellite images at Harwell Open Week 2024.
Students participating in a clean room dress-up activity.
As teams progressed, they pieced together a map revealing fire locations and data about the harmful smoke, helping them to chart a safe evacuation route for a school on the island.
Mission Phoenix showcased the breadth of work behind real space missions, highlighted the tangible impacts of Earth observation, and allowed visitors to meet and engage with staff from across RAL Space – increasing awareness of a wide range of career opportunities.
RAL Space and partner organisations are now focusing on how to build a lasting legacy from such events. Following its success during Harwell Open Week, Mission Phoenix is a popular staple activity in our public engagement programme as a fun, accessible experience of learning STEM subjects for everyone. We have since welcomed local schools to complete the activity for World Space Week and plan to expand its use and value as an educational tool for teachers and our communities.
