Mars Climate Orbiter Engineering Design Failure + Video

Help students explore one of NASA’s most famous engineering mistakes with this ready-to-use postcard activity. Designed to support the UK curriculum, this resource encourages pupils to step into the role of an engineer and reflect on how a small design miscalculation led to the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter.

This activity fits perfectly within Design & Technology, Physics, Engineering, and STEM lessons, especially when teaching topics such as:

Systems design
Accuracy, units and measurement
Forces and motion
Real-world engineering failures
Problem solving and evaluating designs

What’s Included

✔ A high-quality printable postcard template for the Mars Climate Orbiter failure
✔ A second version of a foldable poastcard for students to create
✔ Clear student instructions
✔ Space for students to reflect on:

• What went wrong in the Orbiter’s design
• What they would have done differently
• What lessons engineers should learn for future missions

✔ An included link to a short supplementary video to build background knowledge is included for students and
✔ the resource also includes a copy of the video for teachers to use, avoiding streaming issues and other distractions.
✔ Simple, accessible layout suitable for KS3 and adaptable for KS4

How to Use This Resource

This activity works well as:

• A starter or plenary for a STEM or D&T lesson
• Part of a unit on engineering design, measurement accuracy, space exploration, or systems thinking
• A revision or extension task
• A creative writing activity within a technical context
• An independent learning or homework activity
• Students will love the postcard format. It blends creativity with critical thinking, making complex engineering concepts easier to understand and remember.

Curriculum Links (UK)

Design & Technology (KS3):

Analyse the work of past and present professionals
Understand mechanical, electrical and structural systems
Apply mathematical knowledge to real-world design problems

Science – Physics (KS3/KS4):

Forces, motion, and space science
The importance of accurate measurement

Computer Science / Engineering (KS4):

Systems reliability
Human error, testing, and verification
Unit conversions and precision

Why Teachers will Love It

Ready to print and use immediately ✔
Encourages higher-order thinking ✔
Supports literacy within STEM subjects ✔
Perfect for mixed-ability classes ✔
Engaging, real-world context that sparks discussion ✔