Space Center University, Houston

Houston Space Center

NASA exclusives: Behind the scenes reality tour

Students will tour NASA Johnson Space Center with possible stops at historic Apollo era Mission Control and the Space Vehicle Mock-up 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

Living on Mars

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

Houston Space Center

Mars or bust

Participants will design and build a two stage rocket build based on the team goals for their mission. Crews will launch their rockets the following day to determine who has a successful launch and the highest the altitude. Launch site and may vary based on weather conditions.

Bring the heat

Students will design, construct and test a thermal heat shield to be able to withstand temperatures up to 1,000° Fahrenheit (538° Celsius). This exercise simulates the effects on the space capsule heat shield during entry into the Martian atmosphere.

Houston Space Center

Roving Robotics

Students must decide how to engineer a robotic rover based on a given set of parameters and tasks that the rover must accomplish on Mars. They begin with a budget, price list for supplies and then are given varying real-world criteria to design, construct then test their rovers. The rovers will be put to the test by collecting rock samples and executing student designed coding programs to maneuver on Mars.

Houston Space Center

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.

Cryogenics testing

Can you protect your astronaut from the cold conditions on Mars? Design and build a cryo-capsule to protect your astronauts from extreme temperatures of -321° Fahrenheit (-196° Celsius).

Working in weightlessness

Working with licensed dive instructors in a local indoor swimming pool, participants will learn the techniques taught to astronauts as part of their preparation for performing tasks in microgravity. After which students will construct a mock-up airlock and perform other essential tasks similar to those developed by NASA.

Houston Space Center

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.

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 Center 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.