Overview
Smash Design built the Occupy Mars! exhibit at NASA Space Center Houston to celebrate the successful landing of the Mars Curiosity rover. This exhibit marked NASA’s return to its pioneering missions after several challenging attempts.
Visitors experience an interactive Mars landscape and can explore the surface using remote-controlled rovers. The installation combines realistic terrain, large-scale letters, and hands-on interaction to educate and engage students and families.
Process
To create an authentic Mars environment, the Smash Design team started by covering the yard with red crushed stone and rocks to simulate the Martian surface. A painted backdrop extended the illusion, depicting the rugged landscapes and distant horizons of the Red Planet.
We fabricated large, freestanding 3D letters spelling “MARS” using premium marine-grade pressure-treated lumber. This wood resists water submersion, warping, and rotting while adding sufficient weight to help the letters stand upright on grass.
The letters have internally embedded steel pipes to ensure stability, then coated with industrial-grade epoxy for long-term protection, creating a durable and “bulletproof” finish.
The final installation included a terrain specifically designed for interactive exploration. Visitors could drive remote-controlled “rovers” over the rocks and red stone, giving them a hands-on experience of navigating the Martian surface.
Results
The Occupy Mars! exhibit delivers a visually striking and educational experience that combines themed fabrication, interactive learning, and engineering precision. The 3D MARS letters serve as an iconic centerpiece and photo opportunity, while the Martian terrain and rover interactions allow visitors to engage directly with the environment.
By combining heavy-duty construction, long-lasting materials, and attention to interactive detail, Smash Design created an immersive exhibit that will stand the test of time and continue to inspire curiosity about space exploration for generations.