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SPACE CENTER U

Ages 11-14 Mission

Space Center University Summer 2025 Registration is now open! 

Space Center University offers challenging, quality STEM education inspired by space exploration. The five-day lunar program for ages 11-14 includes 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, such as NASA Johnson Space Center and Rocket Park. *Tours subject to availability
  • Interactive, project-based learning that includes sustainable habitat construction, robotic build and coding, strategic scientific planning and investigations, a one-stage rocket launch, 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 from The Food Lab.
  • Astronaut presentation.
  •  Graduation ceremony and certificates.

Program Activities

Space Exploration…Getting There

LUNAR LAUNCH

Participants will engineer, build and launch a one-stage rocket. Students will perform stability tests to ensure their rockets are flight-ready and measure their rocket’s apogee, or maximum altitude. Launch site and date may vary based on weather conditions.

TEAM BUILDING

A critical aspect of being an astronaut is being able to work with teammates to ensure the mission is a success. Each day students will be engaged in team building activities to learn how to listen, communicate, collaborate, and solve problems together.

Astronauts and Engineers…Living There

LUNAR LIVING

What is it like living in space? How do astronauts get enough clean water and air? How do astronauts communicate and work with peoples from different cultures? Students will participate in SIM (simulated) scenarios and build their own Lunar habitat that sustains core areas of life while maintaining cultural and global awareness.

ROVING ROBOTICS

Participants will explore and accomplish tasks in space using a robotic rover based on a given set of parameters. Students will learn the math calculations needed to traverse the space field and to use sensors to improve accuracy. They also will translate the mathematic calculations into the coding instructions for their robot to ensure mission success!

WORKING IN SPACE!

Working in space can be challenging! Astronauts live and work in a weightless environment, creating a unique environment. Students will explore this environment through virtual reality, completing basic tasks on a virtual International Space Station.

It’s Not Rocket Science…Oh, Wait, Yes It Is!

NASA EXCLUSIVES:
BEHIND-THE-SCENES REALITY TOURS

Students will tour NASA Johnson Space Center with possible stops at Rocket Park and the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility including its full-size training modules of the International Space Station. They will see rockets up-close that were used in early space exploration and experience the space shuttle replica Independence atop the historic Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. *Tours subject to availability

INDEPENDENCE PLAZA

Get a rare glimpse into the shuttle program with a tour of Houston’s international landmark exhibit Independence Plaza. Students will go inside the high-fidelity shuttle replica Independence, mounted on top of the historic and original NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), and then explore the giant plane. It is the world’s only shuttle mounted on an SCA and the only one allowing the public to enter both.

STARSHIP GALLERY

Starship Gallery at Space Center Houston is home to multiple flown spacecraft and national treasures. Get an up-close look at some of the most amazing artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration. Students will see and touch real moon rocks and flown spacecraft while learning about the history of space flight.

Graduation Day

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 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.

Sample Weekly Agenda

Monday Welcome in Mission Briefing Center, NASA Johnson Space Center tour, and one-stage rocket build
Tuesday Rocket launch, robotic design, construction & coding
Wednesday Guest speaker, lunar habitat challenge
Thursday Starship Gallery tour, Human health and performance, and thermal heat shield challenge
Friday Q&A with an Astronaut, Independence Plaza & Falcon 9 tour, graduation ceremony
*Activities are subject to change without notice due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Program Details

Age and class size requirements

Participants must be between the ages of 11-14.

Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants. 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.

A minimum of 1:10 chaperones to student ratio is required for groups. A chaperone is not required for individual registrants.

5-Day Pricing Information

Individuals and Groups with less than 20 students

Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.

Students$719.95
Chaperones$719.95
Groups with more than 20 students

Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.

Students$619.95
Chaperones$619.95

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 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 group 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 for groups 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.

Final payment for individual registrations are due at the time of registration.

Cancellations & Refunds

No refunds will be within six (6) weeks of your visit due to 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, to the hotel, and Space Center Houston is the responsibility of the group or participant.

Individuals and groups should meet with the Space U instructors at 7:50 a.m. each day at the front of Space Center Houston for check in and instructions, unless otherwise directed by Space U Program Coordinator.

Hotel Lodging

Lodging will be the responsibility of the group or individual.

As of May 1, 2023, Space Center Houston will no longer offer an “all-inclusive hotel package,” for groups coordinated by Space Center Houston. Groups and individuals will need to book their own hotel reservations. Please make sure you have confirmation of your Space U class session dates, before booking any travel, as sessions can sell out.

Daily transportation to and from the hotel to Space Center Houston is the responsibility of the group or participant.

Space Center Houston provides a listing of local area hotels on our website.

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.
  • 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.
  • Individual participants will have the option to go to the gift shop with a parent/guardian after check-out on Friday.

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.

Rocket launches will placed on hold or be cancelled if inclement weather occurs.

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.