Humanity is returning to the Moon, and this time, we’re staying! In this Stars & STEM Adventure, students will explore the next giant leap in space exploration, focusing on NASA’s Artemis III mission, the powerful Space Launch System (SLS), and the innovative landers that will take us to the lunar surface. Throughout the day, your explorers will build and launch their own reusable model rockets, dive into commercial space partnerships by engineering a high-precision zipline delivery system, and take an exclusive tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The experience culminates in a catered dinner and photo opportunity with an astronaut, followed by an exhilarating rocket launch!
Event Schedule: November 22, 2026
- 12:00 PM – Check-In Begins at Space Center Houston’s front entrance
- 1:00 PM – Welcome Show in Mission Briefing Center
- 1:20 PM – STEM Activity Session 1 – Houston, We Are Go For Launch
- Each student will build a Model Estes Rocket. During this session, students will discover information about the upcoming Artemis III mission and the Space Launch System, NASA’s newest rocket.The model rockets will be launched later in the program. The rockets are reusable and we will discuss where engines and launch pads could be purchased should your students wish to continue launching their own rocket back home.
- 2:45 PM – STEM Activity Session 2 – On Target Engineering Challenge
- Develop a zipline delivery system with a high rate of success using various recyclable materials to design and build the system. Students will be paired up and pitted against the other groups similar to how NASA encourages competition amongst private companies. The content will focus on NASA contracted landers for the future Artemis and Orion Missions and the challenges of landing on another celestial body.
- 3:50 PM – Tram Tour to Johnson Space Center
- 5:20 PM – Catered Dinner with an Astronaut
- 6:15 PM – Group Photos with an Astronaut
- 6:30 PM – Rocket Launch in Parking Lot
- 7:00 PM – Check-Out Begins at Guest Services
Learn more about Space Center Houston’s Stars & STEM Program.
