Space Center U | Lunar Expedition Ages 11-14
Monday, May 25, 2026
–Friday, May 29, 2026
8:00 am
–4:00 pm
Space Center University at Space Center Houston delivers an immersive STEM experience designed for future explorers!
Built around real-world space exploration, the program features project-based teamwork, guest speakers from NASA, and – for select sessions- a live presentation with an astronaut. Students enjoy daily lunch onsite, then wrap their experience with a graduation ceremony and certificate. It’s a standout choice for families searching for space camps in Houston that combine education, inspiration and once-in-a-lifetime access.
This summer, Camp Strake becomes a launchpad for discovery as Space Center Houston’s Space U joins forces with traditional summer camp adventures for an experience unlike any other. Campers won’t just learn about space—they’ll live it, diving into hands-on STEM programs inspired by real-world space exploration, all while enjoying the timeless fun of camp life.
The Gene Kranz Scholarship Program provides deserving students ages 11-18 with scholarships to Space Center U®, a week-long, immersive engineering design program that encourages in its students the same qualities that Kranz made famous: competence under pressure, innovative problem solving and excellent teamwork. Through students’ participation in Space Center U®, Space Center Houston broadens opportunities for students to participate in STEM learning and fields.
Directly after the Apollo 1 tragedy, Gene Kranz addressed his mission control team and established the Kranz Dictum, which states, “…From this day forward, Flight Control will be known by two words: ‘Tough’ and ‘Competent.’ Tough means we are forever accountable for what we do or what we fail to do. We will never again compromise our responsibilities… Competent means we will never take anything for granted. We will never be found short in our knowledge and in our skills…”
Applicants will submit an essay relating to the Gene Kranz Doctrine and submission of a letter of reference from one of their educators/teachers. Scholarships will be awarded based on the impact of the applicant’s essay and letter of reference from an educator. Selected applicants will be notified via email if they are selected. Scholarship recipients are selected by a Space Center Houston Education Committee made up of education specialists and directors under the direction of the Education Vice President for Space Center Houston.
The scholarship includes registration to a Space Center Houston, Space University Core or Mission Control Program, but it does not cover travel expenses or lodging. Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the airport, to and from the hotel each day, and to other destinations depending on the program selected (SCUBA session, etc.). Scholarship is to be utilized for Space U programming only. No cash value.
Scholarship winners are asked to write a program reflection of their scholarship experience in reference to donors and Gene Kranz, 2 weeks after their program completion.
2025 Gene Kranz Scholarships expire on December 31st, 2026. Registrations for Space U programming must be in before the scholarship expires to be honored.
Cancellations must be emailed to [email protected] and received no later than four weeks before the first day of program. (Participants will be re-scheduled based on availability of open program slots; Cancellations made after the deadline will not be rescheduled and candidates will not be considered for future scholarships; if Space Center Houston cancels the program, the registrant(s) may reschedule).
HOURS TODAY
Thu. April 30 | 5:30 p.m.
Explore the intersection of punk rock and science during this special evening with Dexter Holland, molecular biologist & frontman of The Offspring
Don’t wait to grab your tickets – they’re going fast! 311 performs live tonight at Moon 2 Mars Festival, presented by Wellby Financial.
Friday, February 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Witness history at the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center.