HUNTSVILLE — A partnership between Polaris and Space Camp recently found traction on the red clay of Alabama and the simulated red soil of Mars.

Polaris is donating three vehicles to support the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and its Space Camp program. The vehicles will be used to transport Space Camp crew, trainees and visitors, as well as, rocket launch activities and other camp operations. The donation includes two electric Gem models and one off-road Ranger utility vehicle.

“Innovation is at the core of who Polaris is as a company, and we are thrilled to support an organization that encourages the leaders of tomorrow to never stop dreaming of what could be and making the seemingly impossible, possible,” said Stacy Bogart, president of the Polaris Foundation. “We are also happy to lend our support to a fellow member of the Huntsville community.”

With programs available for fourth-grade students through high school-aged students, Space Camp trainees “cultivate teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills through simulated missions while gaining personal and professional insights that profoundly impact their futures,” according to a press release.

Space Camp alumni include NASA and ESA astronauts, engineers, scientists and technologists.

“Polaris is on the cutting edge of fun, off-road vehicles and efficient, zero emissions, street legal electric vehicles,” said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home of Space Camp.

She noted the need for a versatile transportation fleet for human conveyance and mission support.

“This partnership with Polaris strengthens our ability to deliver a stellar STEM experience that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers,” Barnhart said.