Signed May 2026
The South Seattle College
Partnership
A 10-year Memorandum of Agreement to build a Moon and Mars analog research station on the SSC campus in West Seattle — anchoring a regional platform for aerospace education and workforce development.
Why Now
The Pacific Northwest is already home to Blue Origin, SpaceX Starlink, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Boeing — yet the region has lacked dedicated physical infrastructure for simulating deep-space surface operations. NASA’s Artemis II crew completed the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in April 2026. Weeks earlier, NASA announced Project Ignition, a $20 billion initiative to build a permanent lunar base — creating a generational demand for an aerospace workforce the region is uniquely positioned to supply.
South Seattle College knows how to train people for industries that build things. The International Mars Society knows how to operate analog research stations. This agreement brings those two strengths together on a single urban campus, accessible to students and the public alike.
The Four Pillars
1
Moon & Mars Analog Research Station
Construction of a fully enclosed, multi-module Moon/Mars analog habitat on SSC’s 87-acre West Seattle campus. Phase 1 is a habitat mockup; Phase 2 is a permanent station (subject to feasibility and funding). Once complete, this will be the world’s third dedicated analog research facility — after the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in southern Utah and the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) in the Canadian Arctic.
2
Space Studies Curriculum & Certificate
A joint space studies curriculum with stackable certificate options across SSC departments. Students studying automotive technology, diesel and heavy equipment, culinary arts, and other skilled trades will be able to apply their expertise to space — from battery-powered drones and rovers to growing food in closed-loop environments.
3
Student Capstone & Internship Program
A robust capstone project and internship program tied to local aerospace industry partners, providing hands-on experience in mission operations and habitat engineering. Mentors from the Mars Society of Seattle and industry will guide students through real research challenges.
4
Regional Workforce Pipeline
A direct workforce pathway connecting PNW graduates to major aerospace employers — Blue Origin, SpaceX Starlink, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, and others — alongside grants, public funding strategies, and community engagement programs that open the station to the public.
In Their Words
“For more than two decades, the International Mars Society has operated analog research stations in the Utah desert and the Canadian Arctic that have shaped how humanity will live and work on other worlds. Bringing that capability to an urban community college campus is something new, and it is deliberate.”
James L. Burk
Executive Director, International Mars Society
“South Seattle College has a long tradition of meeting our region’s workforce needs in aerospace, applied science, and skilled trades. This partnership extends that tradition, and this initiative reflects our commitment to exploring bold, future-oriented opportunities.”
Dr. Monica Brown
President, South Seattle College
Roadmap
May 2026
MOA Signed
10-year agreement between SSC and Mars Society of Seattle.
Summer 2026
Inflatable Mockup Installed
First public exhibit at the Aviation Maintenance Technology facility.
2026–2027
Curriculum Development
Joint space studies curriculum and certificate pathway drafted.
2027–2028
Station Opens
Target opening of the permanent analog research station.