Space Center U Guide
Immersing students in authentic learning opportunities tied to NASA missions, Space Center U offers a high level of STEM topics applied to real world and space related experiences. Space Center University is our ultimate educational experience.
Contact information
- Reservations: +1 281-283-4755
- Camp email: globalprograms@spacecenter.org
Policies and Procedures
Space Center Houston is excited to welcome participants to Space Center University. To ensure a safe environment for our Space Center U participants and crew members, we ask all participants to review our new policies and procedures before participating.
Event capacity: The program capacity is limited to ensure social distancing can be met and sanitizing practices can be implemented.
Face coverings: All participants and staff are required to wear a face covering while at Space Center Houston. The only time face coverings can be removed is while eating. If you arrive without a face covering, one can be purchased onsite.
Meals: Lunch is provided during Space Center University Monday through Friday by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Specific dietary requests can be accommodated if provided in advance. All meals served daily with choice of Powerade or soda in the Space Center U classrooms.
- MONDAY: Baked all-natural chicken tenders with BBQ honey mustard dip, baked home fries & grapes
- TUESDAY: Simply good lasagna with mozzarella cheese, tomato basil sauce, mini Garlic bread & side of broccoli
- WEDNESDAY: All-beef hot dog with veggie sticks & yogurt ranch dip
- THURSDAY: Roasted turkey & cheddar sliders with potato chips & apple slices with strawberry cream cheese dipping sauce
- FRIDAY: Individual pepperoni pizza with fresh tomato sauce and fruit cup
Activities: Our activities have been designed to ensure a safe environment for learning.
- In order to maintain social distancing, activities will be conducted in large areas.
- Activity areas will allow for all participants to remain socially distanced.
- Participants will sit at opposite ends of a 6-foot table.
- Participants will remain at assigned tables throughout the week with controlled access to activity areas and restrooms.
Refund and reschedule policy: If you are unable to attend the event, we have provided options for you to reschedule for another date within a year of the event or receive a refund.
- Reschedules will be allowed within one year of the event for anyone unable to attend. Please notify the program coordinator if you are unable to attend.
- Refunds will be granted for anyone who submits a request in writing no later than six weeks before the event.
Frequently asked questions
Current CDC restrictions require reduced numbers. Until restrictions are lifted, the 11-14 age groups has a maximum of 17 participants and 15-18 age group has a maximum of 12 participants. Larger groups may be accommodated based on space availability. Please send inquiries to globalprograms@spacecenter.org.
To participate in the ages 11-14 program, students must be between the ages of 11 and 14. If the participant is 10 and turning 11, they may attend with the understanding that the material is designed for middle school, age-appropriate learning. Space Center Houston reserves the right to deny students that do not meet the age requirements for the program they are registered.
To participate in the ages 15-18 program, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18. If the participant is 14 and turning 15, they may attend with the understanding that the material is designed for high school, age-appropriate learning. Space Center Houston reserves the right to deny students that do not meet the age requirements for the program they are registered. Specialty courses such as the Graduate course, Atmospheric Research and students with visual impairments have age requirements on their respective pages.
A ratio of 1:10 adults to students is required. Chaperones are not required for individual registrations.
Yes, all students, chaperones and representatives must have a Space Center University® ticket for entrance.
The chaperones are to support the Instructors and we want your participation! This is especially true in the case of language barriers. We want to give the most exciting experience possible to your students. Teamwork between chaperones and instructors helps to make this possible. There must always be at least 1 chaperone / adult present while class is in session with access to both the Medical and Image Release Forms of every student at all times.
At this time we have no dormitories for the students or chaperones / adults. Lodging will be the responsibility of the group. Space Center Houston offers an “all-inclusive package” which includes hotel accommodations. Note: Hotel bookings are for double occupancy only, single occupancy is not permitted.
Space Center University provides transportation only on the Johnson Space Center Tour. Transportation to and from airports, hotels and Thursday, NBL/Dive session will be the responsibility of the group.
We require a $300 administration fee to secure a group reservation date. The date cannot be booked without payment. The administration fee is non-refundable.
NO, we do not accept payment on arrival. The entire payment and total number of participants are due four (4) weeks before your visit. Space Center Houston reserves the right to cancel any reservation if a final payment is not received within four (4) weeks prior to visit.
We accept all major credit cards, money orders and wire transfers. Wire transfers need to be received by Space Center Houston four (4) weeks before the scheduled date. Space Center Houston does not pay for any transfer fees. The fees are the responsibility of the group.
Normally refunds will not be issued after six (6) week prior to your visit. Staff and materials are determined based on the number of participants given six (6) weeks before your visit. For this reason, refunding partial or full payment is not possible. Due to the shortened registration timeline, cancellations will not be allowed after one (1) week prior to your visit.
YES, we can provide an invitation letter once the administration fee and forms have been received. A list of participants and a location of where the visas are being processed will also be required. (Consulate, Embassy). We will email the letter to the group coordinator. We do not send the letter directly to the Embassy or Consulate.
The following documents are required for each participant (students or adults) in advance of the group’s arrival – medical form, image release form and SCUBA release form (SCUBA release forms are only required for the students participating in the SCUBA activity for students ages 15-18). Note: For groups, at least one adult chaperone must be present while class is in session and have access to both the medical and image release forms of every student at all times.
No. This fee is for securing your reservation and covers all costs associated in the processing of your Space Center University event including, but not limited to, off-site preparation, astronaut presentation and account management.