Home » Space Center U » Ages 11-14 Mission
Summer 2026 dates coming soon!
Space Center University offers challenging, quality STEM education inspired by current aspects of space exploration. Our 5-day programs include:
For more details about each program, click on the program name below.
Ever wonder what it takes to make a mission on the Moon happen? It’s not just astronauts—it’s an entire team working together! In this 5-day program, participants step into the world of NASA Mission Control and experience what it’s like to plan, train, and fly a mission. Work as an astronaut, a Mission Control specialist, and even backroom scientific research—rotating roles so you experience every part of the team. Learn the communication and problem-solving skills that keep real missions safe and successful. You’ll discover how NASA’s famous motto—“Plan, Train, Fly”—guides every mission. Through fun, interactive activities, you’ll see how science, technology, and teamwork come together to make space exploration possible.
Ignite curiosity and creativity with an out-of-this-world learning experience! Participants will design, build, and launch their own rocket, create a Lunar habitat that supports life and cultural collaboration, and tackle a robotic rover mission using math and coding to navigate challenging terrain. They’ll step into a virtual reality simulation of the International Space Station to experience life in zero gravity and construct a thermal heat shield to withstand extreme temperatures during atmospheric reentry. This program blends engineering, science, and innovation to inspire the next generation of space explorers. Note: This program is available in a 3-day option.
What does Earth look like from 100,000 feet above? Come find out with our AERIS Space Center University program. This engaging 5-day STEM program for middle school and high school students blends space exploration with citizen science through hands-on learning. Participants will investigate the troposphere and stratosphere by designing and building scientific payloads, predicting flight paths, and analyzing real atmospheric data collected by high-altitude weather balloons. Throughout the week, participants engage in collaborative, project-based activities that strengthen their understanding of physics, engineering, and global awareness. The experience concludes with an exciting offsite launch event, where participants watch their experiments ascend into near-space and contribute to authentic atmospheric research.
Students will tour NASA Johnson Space Center with possible stops at Rocket Park and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility including its full-size training modules of the International Space Station. They will see rockets up-close that were used in early space exploration and experience the space shuttle replica Independence atop the historic Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. *Tours subject to availability
Get a rare glimpse into the shuttle program with a tour of Houston’s international landmark exhibit Independence Plaza. Students will go inside the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), and then explore the giant plane. It is the world’s only shuttle mounted on an SCA and the only one allowing the public to enter both.
Starship Gallery at Space Center Houston is home to multiple flown spacecraft and national treasures. Get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration. Students will see and touch real moon rocks and flown spacecraft while learning about the history of space flight.
Hear first-hand stories from a NASA astronaut about space exploration. Ask questions about their mission experience and learn what it takes to become an astronaut.
Celebrate your students’ achievements at Space Center U® graduation in our Mission Briefing auditorium. To commemorate the special experience, students will receive Space Center U certificates for all students and medals for our top teams. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.
Participants must be between the ages of 11-14.
Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants. Individual registrations are accepted but may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling to ensure that there are the minimum number of students to run the program.
A minimum of 1:10 chaperones to student ratio is required for groups. A chaperone is not required for individual registrants.
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Lunar Expedition (Ages 11-14) | |
| Students/Individuals | $719.95 |
| Chaperones | $719.95 |
| Mission Training: Destination the Moon (Ages 11-14) | |
| Students/Individuals | $719.95 |
| Chaperones | $719.95 |
| AERIS: Atmospheric Exploration & Research in Science (Ages 11-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $729.95 |
| Chaperones | $729.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Lunar Expedition (Ages 11-14) | |
| Students/Individuals | $619.95 |
| Chaperones | $619.95 |
| Mission Training: Destination the Moon (Ages 11-14) | |
| Students/Individuals | $619.95 |
| Chaperones | $619.95 |
| AERIS: Atmospheric Exploration & Research in Science (Ages 11-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $729.95 |
| Chaperones | $729.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Lunar Expedition (Ages 11-14) | |
| Students/Individuals | $439.95 |
| Chaperones | $439.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Lunar Expedition (Ages 11-14) | |
| Students/Individuals | $379.95 |
| Chaperones | $379.95 |
Space Center Houston accepts credit cards, money orders, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers. Please note that wire fees are the responsibility of the group and are in addition to all program costs. Personal checks or purchase orders are not accepted.
A major credit card is the required form of payment to secure your reservation. The reservation will automatically be canceled if the credit card is declined and repayment has not been arranged.
Please make payment to Space Center Houston and mail to:
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058
Attention: Reservations
Space U requires a non-refundable 25% deposit at the time of booking to secure your group reservation and program date. The remaining balance will be due six (6) weeks prior to your program start date.
Please note that wire fees remain the responsibility of the group and must be paid in addition to all program costs. Payments must still be received and processed in full by the six-week deadline.
Final payment and final number of participants for groups are due six (6) weeks prior to the day of the visit. Space Center Houston reserves the right to cancel any reservation if final payment is not received six (6) weeks prior to the day of visit.
Final payment for individual registrations is due at the time of registration.
What is the refund policy for groups?
If you are unable to attend the event, we will provide options for you to reschedule for another date within a year of the event. Deposits are non-refundable. Transfer fees per person may be applicable.
What is the refund policy for individuals?
If you are unable to attend the event, we will provide options for you to reschedule for another date within a year of the event. Transfer fees per person may be applicable.
Transportation to and from any airport, to the hotel, and Space Center Houston is the responsibility of the group or participant.
Individuals and groups should meet with the Space U instructors at 7:50 a.m. each day at the front of Space Center Houston for check in and instructions, unless otherwise directed by Space U Program Coordinator.
Lodging will be the responsibility of the group or individual.
As of May 1, 2023, Space Center Houston will no longer offer an “all-inclusive hotel package,” for groups coordinated by Space Center Houston. Groups and individuals will need to book their own hotel reservations. Please make sure you have confirmation of your Space U class session dates, before booking any travel, as sessions can sell out.
Daily transportation to and from the hotel to Space Center Houston is the responsibility of the group or participant.
Space Center Houston provides a listing of local area hotels on our website.
LUNCH
Daily lunch served at Space Center Houston by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Participants are given a daily voucher. Menu items may be chosen that are sensitive to personal dietary requirements and preferences from the stations available.
OTHER MEALS
All-inclusive hotels offer a hot breakfast. All other hotels selected by the group. Breakfast is the responsibility of the group or participant.
Evening meals are the responsibility of the group or participant. There are several restaurants within walking distance of Space Center Houston, as well as most of the area hotels used for lodging.
CLOTHING
OTHER ITEMS
The safety of all participants and staff is very important.
If inclement weather is forecasted and Space Center Houston is asked to close, we will notify all participants. If a participant cannot get to Space Center U® due to the weather, please call and notify Reservations or your Education contact.
Rocket launches will placed on hold or be cancelled if inclement weather occurs.
Space Center Houston can provide a Visa letter upon request for all international visitors. Visa Invitation letters will only be issued after the administration fee and registration forms have been completed. The letter will be sent to the group coordinator. Space Center Houston will not send the letter to the Embassy or Consulate.
For more information, please read the Space Center U® frequently asked questions, call +1 281-283-4755 or email [email protected].
HOURS TODAY
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Use code WEB15 for 15% off a Space Center Houston membership + an extra month, free parking, discounts and other stellar perks.