In October 2025, Space Center Houston and the Cactus Jack Foundation partnered to launch the Space Design Program. This eight-week-long initiative invited HISD students to turn everyday space problems into protypes—driving solutions to shape the future of space exploration.

After weeks of intensive research, development and design, we invited the four HISD student teams to share their innovations at the Space Design Showcase, with community leaders, educators and the Cactus Jack Foundation team.

From building portable healthcare devices to creating tools to enhance lunar exploration. Here’s a closer look inside the innovations from the Space Design Showcase:

• Astronaut Vital-Monitoring Helmet
  Astronaut safety on the Moon requires real-time health monitoring amid extreme temperatures, low gravity, and limited medical support. Team solution: a redesigned helmet that displays vital signs, enabling astronauts and mission control to instantly detect changes in heart rate, oxygen levels and stress. 
• Lunar Water Filtration System
  Lunar dust, regolith, and chemical contaminants threaten the safety of water sources on the Moon. Team solution: a filtration system that purifies lunar water, ensuring astronauts have clean, safe hydration for long-term missions. 
• Lunar Exploration Rover
  The Moon’s uneven terrain, loose dust, and low visibility pose serious navigation risks. Team solution: a design with safety mobility, better traction and advanced navigation for reliable lunar exploration.  
• Habitat Structure for Food Preservation
  Extreme temperatures and radiation make storing food on the Moon a challenge. Team solution: a habitat-based preservation system extending the shelf life of astronaut supplies by maintaining consistent temperature and reducing radiation exposure.  

As our community gathered together to support these students and celebrate our first annual Space Design Showcase, we invite you to celebrate with us.  Learn more about how Space Center Houston and the Cactus Jack Foundation are serving Houston Youth through STEM engagement.