CosmosLab: Portable Space Learning and Education Laboratory to Bring Science to the Most Remote Communities of Bolivia and South America

Author: Bera Badareva Date: 01/15/26

Abstract#

This project aims to bring the experience and curiosity about the space world to remote communities that do not have access to telescopes or astronomical education, through a mobile planetarium and sky observation activities. Using a portable inflatable planetarium, a projector, and a telescope, along with educational materials and workshops, engaging activities will be carried out for children and young people. These activities will help them learn about space, stars, and the universe in a practical, theoretical, democratic, accessible, and fun way.

One of the greatest dreams of space enthusiasts is to reach more people, especially those who do not have access to such experiences. Being part of motivating this new generation would be an honor for me.

Problem#

Many remote and rural communities, and even some urban areas, lack access to practical scientific and space education, especially in astronomy and space science. In the city, there are no telescopes, planetariums, museums, or space education programs that inspire children and young people to develop an interest in science and space. This limits scientific curiosity and early access to fundamental knowledge.

Solution#

The project proposes to promote space education through a mobile and itinerant planetarium that can be easily transported to different communities. The solution includes:

• A portable inflatable geodesic dome for educational projections.
• A projection system to display the night sky, the solar system, space technologys, and basic astronomy / space concepts.
• A portable telescope for guided night-time observations.
• Educational workshops adapted for children and young people.

Alternatives such as permanent installations were evaluated but discarded due to high costs and low scalability and mobility. The mobile approach allows for greater impact with a lower budget and can be replicated across different regions. Open questions include optimizing equipment to reduce costs and selecting priority communities for the first phase. In the future, the project could expand to include a simulated space habitat, with additional educational content and international collaborations with local schools.

OPERATION PLAN Community selection

Children’s Home (CASA HOGAR) Location: City of Cochabamba, on the road to Tiquipaya

SOS Children’s Villages (ALDEAS SOS) Location: City of Cochabamba, on the road to Tiquipaya

The Sirionó are an indigenous people of the lowlands of Bolivia who primarily inhabit the departments of Beni and Santa Cruz. They are known for their hunter-gatherer culture LOCATION: In the forests of the southern part of the Beni Department and the northwestern part of Santa Cruz, in the Llanos de Mojos region, around the San Martín, Negro, and Machado rivers, with main communities in Ibiato (Tierra Alta) and Pata de Águila, in the municipality of San Javier, Beni.

The Uru Chipaya are an ancient indigenous nation of Bolivia, located in the highlands of Oruro, known as the “People of Water” because of their deep connection to the Lauca River and Lake Coipasa. LOCATION: In the Bolivian highlands, specifically in Sabaya Province, Oruro Department, near Lake Coipasa, in an arid area bordering Chile

Challa, a consolidated Indigenous autonomous territory Location: Municipality of Tapacarí, Andean region, Cochabamba Department

These communities were selected due to their limited access to educational infrastructure and the high potential impact of mobile, hands-on learning experiences. The selected communities do not have access to telescopes or to materials on space history and space science in general, and these topics are also not taught in rural schools.

Coordination process Community engagement will be coordinated through direct communication with school directors, community leaders, and local coordinators. The Project Lead has prior experience in volunteer and educational outreach through organizations such as Lions International and the Red Cross, as well as direct collaboration with literacy coordinators who have worked with indigenous communities. These existing relationships will support efficient coordination and logistics.

Scheduling: Sessions will be conducted on weekends (Saturday or Sunday afternoons) and scheduled in advance with schools or community leaders. The project plans to conduct 1–2 visits per month, resulting in approximately 3–5 educational sessions during the project trimester, depending on weather conditions and community availability

Session Format:

1. Introductory talk: basic astronomy concepts or history of space exploration, presented in a didactic and age-appropriate way.
2. Planetarium experience: immersive videos inside the inflatable dome, showing stars, planets, and the story of the universe.
3. Guided observation: telescope-based observation of the Moon, and when conditions allow, Mars and Saturn.
4. Closing activity: reflective and creative activity for children (art, drawing, or short written feedback) to reinforce learning and collect insights for MoonDAO documentation

Benefits#

• Brings space education to communities with no prior access.
• Aligns MoonDAO with real educational and social impact.
• Introduce space knowledge to communities in Bolivia
• Promotes early interest in science and space exploration.
• Highly visible and replicable project.
• Focused primarily on educational impact, with potential future opportunities for sponsored workshops, group astronomical observations, or educational partnerships.
• Strengthens MoonDAO’s mission to expand access to space and science.
• Also, Deliverable:

The project will provide the following deliverables for MoonDAO to document, showcase, and promote the mobile space education initiative: High-Quality Photographs

• Photos of children and youth participating in workshops and planetarium sessions (with consent from parents/guardians or the community).
• Images of the portable planetarium dome setup, telescopes in use, and interactive activities inside the dome.
• Photos of community participation in the activities, including leaders, volunteers, and project staff.

Video Content

• Short clips showing the sequence of activities: introductory talk, in-person attendance, planetarium experience, telescope observation, and closing activity.
• Highlighting educational engagement, reactions, and creative outputs from the children (drawings, feedback, art projects).
• Optionally, brief interviews with volunteer participants or community leaders explaining the impact of the project in the community.

Summary Documentation

• A brief report summarizing each session, including the number of participants, communities visited, activities conducted, logistical support, and outcomes achieved.
• Feedback collected from children, youth, and teachers to measure engagement and learning outcomes.

Purpose for MoonDAO: The photos, videos, and session summaries will be used for MoonDAO’s marketing, social media, and documentation, demonstrating the real educational impact worldwide, including in remote communities in South America. These deliverables ensure that the project is transparent, replicable, and highlights MoonDAO’s mission to expand space education to underserved communities.

Risks#

• Risk: Equipment costs may be higher than estimated. Mitigation: Conduct prior research on suppliers and select low-cost solutions.
• Risk: Logistical difficulties with orders and transportation. Mitigation: Advance planning and scheduling.
• Risk: Challenges in in-person collaboration in remote communities. Mitigation: Advance planning and focus on portability of equipment.
• Risk: Lack of community attendance or interest. Mitigation: Coordinate in advance with community leaders and schools.

Objectives#

Bring theoretical and practical space and astronomy education to remote communities through a mobile planetarium during the quarter. Key Results for Objective #1: -        Conduct educational sessions in at least 3 communities or children’s homes, then take a feedback with recreation activities -        Reach at least 150 children and young people. -        Conduct at least 3 night-time astronomical observation sessions and talks. -        Provide basic space educational materials in each visited community.

Team (Table A)#

Project Lead Background The Project Lead has experience in educational outreach, mentoring in international programs for girls such as GirlsAerospace, and other initiatives, including invitations to mentor for the NASA Apps Challenge Hackathon for other countries. They also have experience in community activities and coordinating learning initiatives for children and young people (for example activities in Red Cross International). Their background combines hands-on volunteering, workshop facilitation, leadership, and involvement in children’s homes.

Relevant Experience

• Experience conducting educational workshops and talks for children and young people, using accessible and interactive teaching methods.
• Experience working with children, youth, and community groups through volunteer programs and educational initiatives.
• Participation in volunteer organizations such as Lions International and the Red Cross, supporting community coordination and outreach activities.
• Experience coordinating events and innovative initiatives aimed at contributing to society on a small scale, including planning, logistics, and communication with local leaders.
• Direct collaboration with literacy coordinators in rural and indigenous areas, maintaining contact with community leaders, and active participation in volunteer networks supporting indigenous communities.
• Coordinated joint volunteer initiatives by merging two community groups, including implementing first-aid courses for pets with the Red Cross, demonstrating leadership, planning, and collaboration skills transferable to educational and outreach projects.

Initial Team Projects may not need an initial team. This project will begin with a small, flexible team, with contributors supporting educational activities as needed. Initial Team Members: All contributors (to be onboarded as needed) Role: Educational Contributor (Virtual / In-person) Responsibilities include: 1. Supporting astronomy and space science workshops, either virtually or in person. 2.      Assisting with educational content delivery (presentations, talks, Q&A sessions). 3. Contributing to outreach and engagement during planetarium sessions when applicable. 4.      Posting a weekly update in the “progress” channel on Discord summarizing their contributions for that week. 5. Team members are responsible for: 6.      Posting a weekly update in the “progress” channel on Discord with their contributions that week. Not posting a weekly update will result in a 5% penalty to their retroactive rewards, in accordance with MoonDAO guidelines.

Timeline (Table B)#

Deadline for the project: End of Q3.

Transactions (Table C)#

Please write out the specific transactions that need to be executed if this proposal passes. Please include the exact amount and token type and the receiving address (this is the multi-sig if there is more than one transaction that needs to be executed throughout the lifetime of this project.)