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SPACE CENTER U

Ages 15-18 Specialized

Space Center University® offers challenging, quality STEM education inspired by space exploration. The Specialized Space U programs include the following: 

  • Hands-on, engineering-based activities and data collection technology integration for real-world analysis. 
  • Behind-the-scenes access to “the real thing” including exciting tours of actual astronaut training and work facilities. *Tours subject to availability 
  • Interactive, project-based learning that includes activities that foster collaborative teamwork and global awareness development. 
  • Hear from guest speakers about what it takes to work at NASA and the projects that prepare humans for space exploration.
  • Daily lunch served at Space Center Houston in The Food Lab. 
  • Astronaut presentation. 
  • Graduation ceremony and certificates. 

Program Descriptions

ATMOSPHERIC SPACE U

What does Earth look like from 100,000 ft. in the air? What happens in the different layers of the atmosphere? In this program, offering challenging science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education inspired by space exploration and citizen science, you will learn the physics of how weather balloons rise and collect data as you explore the troposphere and stratosphere. You will design and build scientific payloads, collecting real data for analysis. This program includes interactive, project based learning including flight predictions, payload design, high-altitude experiment design, collaborative teaming and global awareness development.

Mission Control Space U

It takes more than just astronauts to complete a mission. In this program, you will explore a simulated Lunar surface to prepare for an extra vehicular activity (EVA) to develop and run an entire mission by using the communication, teamwork, and leadership skills needed in Mission Control to ensure a successful mission. During the EVAs, you will have the opportunity to complete missions being an astronaut, Mission Control, and back-room support. We will emphasize the “Plan, Train, Fly” motto that has instructed NASA’s space program for decades.

SURVIVAL SPACE U

This program is designed to immerse you in the world of astronaut survival in relation to space exploration. You will be learning about what it is like to be on a mission in space, working on a team, and using available resources to complete a mission. The mission concludes with a helicopter underwater escape training exercise you will learn and experience how to escape a sinking vessel, swim as a team to safety, and get into a life raft.

Program Features

NASA EXCLUSIVES:
BEHIND-THE-SCENES REALITY TOURS

Students will tour NASA Johnson Space Center with possible stops at historic Apollo era Mission Control and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility including its full-size training modules of the International Space Station.  *Tours subject to availability

ASTRONAUT PRESENTATION

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. 

GRADUATION

Celebrate your students’ achievements at Space Center U® graduation in our Mission Briefing Center 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.

Program Details

Age and class size requirements

Participants must be between the ages of 15-18.

Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants. If a group has less than 10, they will need to pay the minimum fee (See payment information). 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.

The maximum per event is 30-40 students depending on the program. Larger groups will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A minimum of 1:10 chaperones to student ratio is required for the program. Chaperones are not required for individual registrations.

Pricing Information

Atmospheric Space U

INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS

Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.

Students$729.95
Chaperones$729.95

Mission Control Space U

INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WITH LESS THAN 20 PARTICIPANTS

Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.

Students$719.95
Chaperones$719.95

INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WITH MORE THAN 20 PARTICIPANTS

Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.

Students$619.95
Chaperones$619.95

Survival Space U

INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WITH MORE THAN 20 PARTICIPANTS

Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.

Students$959.95
Chaperones$959.95

Payment & Registration

Payment Types Accepted

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 credit card will be charged at the time of booking for your administrative fees and will also be used for final payment if other arrangements have not been made six (6) weeks prior to the day of visit. 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

Group Registration & Fees

Group Registration and Administration Fee $300

Space Center U requires a $300 non-refundable administration fee to make and secure your reservation and date. The date cannot be booked without payment with full and final payment required six (6) weeks prior to your event date.

Wire fees are the responsibility of the group and are in addition to all program cost. Exact payments are required. Wire transfers must be received by Space Center Houston six (6) weeks before the scheduled date.

Final Payment

Final payment and final number of participants are due six (6) weeks prior to the day of 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.

Space Center Houston reserves the right to cancel prior to the event due to low enrollment. Final cancellations for this reason will be determined six (6) weeks or more from the scheduled date.

Cancellations & Refunds

No refunds will be within six (6) weeks of your visit due to the advanced hotel reservations, staff scheduling, food preparation and material purchasing. For this reason, refunding partial or full payment is not possible.

Cancellation of your visit must be received in writing, six (6) weeks prior to the date of visit.

Space Center Houston reserves the right to cancel prior to the event due to low enrollment. Final cancellations for this reason will be determined six (6) weeks or more from the scheduled date.

Transportation

Transportation to and from any airport, hotel, and Space Center Houston is the responsibility of the group or participant.

Transportation to and from the hotel to Space Center Houston, the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (Survival Space U – if available) and the HUET session (Survival Space U) will also be the responsibility of the group. Times and addresses will be provided closer to the event date.

Groups should meet with the Program staff at 7:50 a.m. each day at the front of Space Center Houston for check in and instructions unless otherwise notified.

Food

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.

What to Bring

CLOTHING

  • Pack enough clothing for at least 6 days.
  • Be sure to bring a swimsuit, t-shirt and towel for the HUET session (Survival Space U).
  • Pack a jacket as it may get cold in the classroom and a raincoat (in case of inclement weather) for the tram ride each day.
 

OTHER ITEMS

  • Cameras are welcome.
  • Participants may want some form of entertainment for the evenings at the hotel. Don’t forget to bring a charger for phone or game.
  • Most hotels used have Wi-Fi access.
  • Students may also want to bring cash for incidentals, evening meals and souvenirs.

Weather

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.

International Participants

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].

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Moon 2 Mars Festival is back!

Tickets on sale now | March 13 - 16

The All-American Rejects are throwing Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival into hyperdrive. Amp up your Space City Spring Break with us!

Access to this all-ages festival is included in general admission.