Space Center U® is a program of multi-day, hands-on STEM summer camps for students ages 11–18, inspired by real NASA missions. This is the ultimate educational experience for students looking to explore careers in STEM fields.
Hosted at Space Center Houston, this immersive program builds teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking through exciting space-themed challenges. Each camp ends with a presentation from a NASA astronaut and a graduation.
With 4 tracks to choose from, campers can experience a range of missions simulating the challenges of space exploration – from building their own air lock underwater, to learning how to escape from an underwater helicopter!
Sessions now through August 8
These challenging, 3- or 5-day immersive experiences let campers ages 11-18 live their dream of space exploration. Space Center U combines science and engineering with cognitive and tactile tasks and simulates astronaut training with real-world NASA experiences.
Campers learn about rocket science, what it takes to live and work in space, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of real, working facilities at NASA Johnson Space Center.
Campers ages 15-18 also experience working in weightlessness like astronauts work in microgravity. This scuba experience challenges them to construct a mock-up airlock — underwater!
Only 1 session available!
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.
Only 1 session available!
It takes more than just astronauts to complete a mission. In this program, campers learn how to “Plan, Train, Fly” a mission – the motto that has instructed NASA’s space program for decades.!
They will explore a simulated Lunar surface to prepare for an extravehicular activity (EVA) to develop and run an entire mission. During the EVAs, campers will complete missions simulated as an astronaut, a member of Mission Control, and as back-room support, using the communication, teamwork, and leadership skills needed in Mission Control to ensure a successful mission.
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.
To participate in the ages 11-14 program, students must be between the ages of 11 and 14. To participate in the ages 15-18 program, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18. If the participant is 14 and turning 15 shortly before the program starts, and currently in high school (9th grade), they may attend with the understanding that the material is designed for high school, age-appropriate learning. Space Center Houston reserves the right to deny students that do not meet the age requirements for the program they are registered.
If you are registering your individual student, and are not part of a group, your child does not need a chaperone, however a parent/guardian must check the student in and out each day.
For groups of students, chaperones are required.
The chaperones are to support the Instructors and we want your participation! This is especially true in the case of language barriers. We want to give the most exciting experience possible to your students. Teamwork between chaperones and instructors helps to make this possible. There must always be at least 1 chaperone/adult present while class is in session with access to both the Medical and Image Release Forms of every student at all times.
At this time, we have no dormitories for the students or chaperones / adults. Lodging will be the responsibility of the group. As of May 1, 2023, Space Center Houston will no longer offer an “all-inclusive hotel package” for group registrations. A listing and booking link to local area hotels can be found on our website.
Space Center University provides transportation only on the Johnson Space Center Tours only. Transportation to and from airports, hotels and Thursday dive session will be the responsibility of the group.
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.
No, we do not accept payment on arrival. For groups, the entire payment and total number of participants are due six (6) weeks before your visit. Space Center Houston reserves the right to cancel any reservation if a final payment is not received within six (6) weeks prior to visit.
For individual registrations, payment is due upon registration.
We accept all major credit cards, money orders and wire transfers. Wire transfers need to be received by Space Center Houston six (6) weeks before the scheduled date. Space Center Houston does not pay for any transfer fees. The fees are the responsibility of the group.
Normally refunds will not be issued after six (6) week prior to your visit. Staff and materials are determined based on the number of participants given six (6) weeks before your visit. For this reason, refunding partial or full payment is not possible. Cancellations will not be allowed after six (6) weeks prior to your visit.
The following documents are required for each participant (students or adults) 4 weeks in advance of the group’s arrival – medical form, image release form and SCUBA release form (SCUBA release forms are only required for the students participating in the SCUBA activity for students ages 15-18). Note: For groups, at least one adult chaperone must be present while class is in session and have access to both the medical and image release forms of every student at all times.
Disruptive behavior, physical aggression, violence, disrespectful behavior towards others or their property, damage to Space Center Houston property, theft or possession/use of dangerous items will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal.
Damage to Space Center Houston equipment due to misbehavior will be at the expense of the parent.
Space Center Houston has a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying.
No refunds will be provided for early dismissal as a result of suspension.
Reservations: +1 281-283-4755
Space U Coordinator: +1 281-283-4767
Accessibility & Inclusion Specialist: +1 281-244-2147
Space U Email: [email protected]
HOURS TODAY
Have them apply to Rise! Rise is a program that offers students access to scholarships, mentorship, networking and career development opportunities, fostering their ability to address pressing global challenges.
Rise Initiative is a partner of the Conrad Challenge at Space Center Houston.
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.
Space Center Houston will close at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 29. Understand how this will impact your visit.
WEATHER ALERT
For the safety of our guests and staff, Space Center Houston is closed on Tuesday, January 21 and Wednesday, January 22 due to forecasted inclement weather.
We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you soon! For questions or concerns, contact our Reservations team with your order number at 281.283.4755 or via email.