Space Center U | Journey to Space | 3 Day Ages 15-18
Saturday, February 14, 2026
–Monday, February 16, 2026
8:00 am
–4:00 pm
Space Center University offers challenging, quality STEM education inspired by current aspects of space exploration. Our 3-day and 5-day programs include:
For more details about each program, including program dates, please see below.
Get ready for the ultimate high school STEM experience—where innovation meets exploration! Over five action-packed days, participants will dive into hands-on challenges that bring space science to life. Participants will build and launch rocket, evaluating their flight path and performance. They’ll tackle real-world questions about life in space—clean water, breathable air, energy sources—and create a habitat that sustains life while embracing global and cultural awareness. Participants will engineer and code robotic rovers to navigate the Martian surface, collect rock samples, and overcome real-world design challenges. They’ll test their skills by building cryogenic capsules capable of protecting astronauts from temperatures as low as -321°F (-196°C). And to top it off, they’ll dive into astronaut training simulations, practicing microgravity techniques with licensed instructors and constructing a mock airlock for authentic NASA-inspired tasks. This immersive program blends science, hands-on projects, and teamwork to ignite curiosity and prepare participants for the future of space exploration.
Program dates and registration:
May 25, 2026
June 1, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 15, 2026
June 22, 2026
August 3, 2026
It takes more than astronauts to make a mission succeed—every role matters. In this immersive 5-day program, high school participants step into the heart of space operations, planning and training for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Working as astronauts, Mission Control, and scientific backroom support, participants will tackle real-world challenges that demand communication, teamwork, and leadership. Along the way, teams dive into the science, preparation, and problem-solving that make spaceflight possible. By the end of the program, participants will have a deep understanding of the collaboration and precision required to ensure mission success—skills that extend far beyond space exploration.
Program dates and registration:
What does Earth look like from 100,000 feet above? Come find out with our AERIS Space Center University program. This engaging 5-day STEM program for middle school and high school students blends space exploration with citizen science through hands-on learning. Participants will investigate the troposphere and stratosphere by designing and building scientific payloads, predicting flight paths, and analyzing real atmospheric data collected by high-altitude weather balloons. Throughout the week, participants engage in collaborative, project-based activities that strengthen their understanding of physics, engineering, and global awareness. The experience concludes with an exciting offsite launch event, where participants watch their experiments ascend into near-space and contribute to authentic atmospheric research.
The Space U: Journey to Space 3-Day High School program for ages 15–18 immerses students in the engineering challenges of spaceflight through hands‑on experimentation and creative design. Participants test materials under extreme conditions by developing both heat shields for atmospheric re‑entry and cryogenic capsules capable of withstanding the deep cold of space. They design and build model rockets engineered to launch and safely return an egg, assemble and code Microbit sensors to collect atmospheric data, and construct protective landing capsules for drop‑test trials. To round out the experience, each student creates a custom mission patch that represents their team’s expedition, blending technical problem‑solving with the traditions of real space missions.
Program dates and registration:
The Space U: Planetary Discovery 3-Day High School program invites learners ages 15–18 to step into the role of planetary explorers as they investigate how scientists study other worlds through hands‑on experimentation and immersive technology. Participants use spectroscopy to identify modeled water ice, collect and classify lunar rock samples using real geological criteria, and navigate mission‑based challenges on the Martian surface in virtual reality. They also engineer and test robotic end effectors designed to gather rock samples and code drones to fly missions inspired by NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter. Together, these experiences build a deeper understanding of planetary science while strengthening problem‑solving, creativity, and technical skill.
Program dates and registration:
The Space U: Science in Space 3-Day High School program invites learners ages 15–18 to investigate how science works beyond Earth through hands‑on experiments that mirror real research in space exploration and human spaceflight. Participants classify lunar rock samples, explore buoyancy and fluid behavior, and use electrolysis to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen—an essential process for future space missions. They build and code Microbit‑based sensors to gather atmospheric data, compare how various lunar‑soil mixtures retain water, and swab surfaces to study microbial growth in everyday environments. The experience culminates in analyzing self‑collected samples to determine blood type, giving students a deeper appreciation for the biology, chemistry, and engineering that make space science possible.
Program dates and registration:
The Space U: Living and Working in Space 3-Day High School program invites students ages 15-18 to step into the daily challenges of astronauts and space engineers. Participants design and build a lunar habitat, use electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and navigate life aboard the International Space Station through virtual‑reality missions. They practice robotic operations by simulating Canadarm retrieval with rovers, strengthen teamwork through a remote Lego communication challenge, and investigate lunar science by comparing how different regolith‑soil mixtures retain water. The experience also introduces key biological concepts as students identify their own blood type and swab surfaces to observe microbial growth, offering a dynamic look at the science and problem‑solving behind living beyond Earth.
Program dates and registration:
Participants must be between the ages of 15-18.
Groups must have a minimum of 10 participants. If a group has less than 10, they will need to pay the minimum fee (See payment information). 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.
The maximum per event is 70 students. Larger groups will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum of 1:10 chaperones to student ratio is required for the program. Chaperones are not required for individual registrations.
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Martian Expedition (Ages 15-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $779.95 |
| Chaperones | $779.95 |
| Mission Training: Destination ISS (Ages 15-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $719.95 |
| Chaperones | $719.95 |
| AERIS: Atmospheric Exploration & Research in Science (Ages 11-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $729.95 |
| Chaperones | $729.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Martian Expedition (Ages 15-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $679.95 |
| Chaperones | $679.95 |
| Mission Training: Destination ISS (Ages 15-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $619.95 |
| Chaperones | $619.95 |
| AERIS: Atmospheric Exploration & Research in Science (Ages 11-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $729.95 |
| Chaperones | $729.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Martian Expedition (Ages 15-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $439.95 |
| Chaperones | $439.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
| Martian Expedition (Ages 15-18) | |
| Students/Individuals | $379.95 |
| Chaperones | $379.95 |
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
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.
Final payment and final number of participants for groups are due six (6) weeks prior to the day of the 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 is due at the time of registration.
What is the refund policy for groups?
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. Deposits are non-refundable. Transfer fees per person may be applicable.
What is the refund policy for individuals?
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.
Transportation to and from any airport, hotel, and Space Center Houston is the responsibility of the group or participant.
Transportation to and from the hotel to Space Center Houston, the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (if available) and the scuba dive session will also be the responsibility of the group.
Groups should meet with the Program Coordinator at 7:50 a.m. each day at the front of Space Center Houston for check in and instructions.
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.
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.
CLOTHING
OTHER ITEMS
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 launch dates will be moved or cancelled if inclement weather occurs.
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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