Minecraft Education Adds Virtual NASA Artemis Mission Worlds to STEM

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 07/20/23

Created in partnership with NASA, Microsoft’s Minecraft Education has added virtual Artemis Mission Worlds, which will give STEM students a chance to use coding to design a rocket, navigate it to the Moon, and eventually, learn how to keep a Moon base habitat safe. All of this is designed to inspire the next generation of computer and space scientists. NASA’s future goal is to go to Mars. 

Microsoft Minecraft Education has added these modules to its education library in 29 languages. The lessons incorporate Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science and Engineering Practices, and are aligned with the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) standards, Microsoft said. 

Two of the three lessons are available now, and the third is coming soon: 

  1. Artemis World I: Rocket Build — Students will learn about what goes into rocket design, propulsion, and space flight, and build and launch their own virtual rocket; 

  2. Artemis World II: Return to the Moon — Students will embark on a simulated flight on the Orion spacecraft to the Moon using computer science and coding in either Python or MakeCode; 

  3. Artemis World III: Moon Base — How a Moon base is built, operated, and kept safe for human habitation. 

Educators who aren’t familiar with Minecraft can check it out on a free trial basis with an Office 365 or a Microsoft 365 account, but should check with their schools to see if there is a school account free to teachers. Otherwise, teacher licenses are $5 per year. Visit the Minecraft Teacher Academy page to learn more. Bedrock players can download Artemis: Rocket Build for free in the Marketplace. Minecraft works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Android, and iPhone/iPad. 

In addition, extension lessons have also been developed by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, started by families of the crew lost in the Challenger accident, to keep the dream of space exploration alive. The lessons will help students develop skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork. 

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • shield with an AI microchip emblem hovering above stacks of gold coins

    Report: AI Security Spend Surges While Traditional Security Budgets Shrink

    A new report from global cybersecurity company Thales reveals that while enterprises are pouring resources into AI-specific protections, only 8% are encrypting the majority of their sensitive cloud data — leaving critical assets exposed even as AI-driven threats escalate and traditional security budgets shrink.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • silhouetted student stands before the White House, surrounded by abstract digital graphics of brains, circuits, and AI elements

    White House Sets Sights on AI Education

    A new executive order from President Donald Trump aims to advance America's position in artificial intelligence technology by incorporating AI into education and providing AI training for educators.