If you were inspired by Matt Damon’s marooned exploits, David Bowie’s song or just wondered what it would be like to walk on another planet, Sentosa is the place to be this weekend.
Transport yourself – virtually – 225 million km across space with the Experience Mars showcase at Palawan Beach.
Yes, a part of the little red planet has come to the little red dot and you can experience what it would take survive on our crimson planetary neighbour.
This weekend event ties in with Sunday’s premiere of National Geographic Channel’s Mars – a six-part series that documents the quest to colonize Mars from the viewpoint of a fictitious mission in 2033. The series is produced by the multi-award-winning team lead by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
There is a lot to explore at the Sentosa showcase. Here are five things to look out for under that white geodesic dome.
Alter-G Anti-Gravity treadmill
To find out what it would be like to take that next giant step, this treadmill – said to be the world’s first and only to use NASA anti-gravity simulation technology – will take you for a stroll on the red planet.
This reporter had the chance to try it out. The effect is feeling like movement is effortless. You floating more than walk.
It can be so addictive that you might want to become a Martian.
Mars Aqua Retrieval System
This prototype of a specialised Martian rover is designed to mine for water and has been designed by the Singapore University of Technology and Design.
Water is vital for Mars colonisation. Yet there is no liquid water there and exposed ice quickly turns to gas.
This machine finds, mines, cleans and then stores the planet’s most precious commodity. Not a machine you want to forget to take.
Virtual Reality tour
Using the Samsung Gear VR, this is your chance to be a rover pilot with the mission to retrieve scuttled cargo.
It’s not an easy mission. Some may find that they can only retrieve one piece of cargo before the timer runs out. Along with the treadmill, this is exhibit is likely to be one of the most popular with all ages.
Gilmour Mars Habitat
This could be renamed AirlockBnB.
A home that can support nine crew members on a Mars mission that in theory, could last for many years. Though life in distant isolation can be daunting, the design ensures that most, if not all, needs are met.
The layout maximises the comfort level in all aspects of their life on Mars.
Green shoots in red soil
The toxic topsoil of Mars means that growing plants is a job for science.
Deeper soil is treatable and can be introduced to a greenhouse environment to promote growth.
Visitors will get the chance to try their hand at getting green fingers with their own pot plant.
What: Experience Mars Showcase
When: November 12-13 from 11.00am-7,00pm
Where: Palawan Beach, Sentosa
How: Entry to showcase is free, regular admission fees to Sentosa applies
Mars premieres Sunday, November 13, 10pm on National Geographic Channel (Singtel TV Ch 201 and StarHub TV Ch 411).
