Stars & STEM Guide

Do teachers and parents need to pay?

Yes, all students, teachers and chaperones must pay before entering the building. Each paid adult and child will receive an admission ticket for the evening and a ticket for the second day for the following morning. Bus drivers may obtain an event ticket at the adult rate or a second-day ticket (valid only the second day of visit) for $12.95.

When is payment due?

Payment is due in full four weeks before the event. A credit card will need to be on file to reserve the event. You may choose to pay through check instead. Please contact our coordinator to learn more.

Do you accept pay-on-arrival?

Unfortunately, we do not accept pay-on-arrivals. All payments need to be made before your group arrives to ensure that each person has a ticket and a wristband before entering the building the evening of the event.

What is your refund policy?

Cancellations to your reservations may be made up until four weeks before the date of your Stars & STEM event.

Refunds will only be given up until four weeks before the date of your Stars & STEM event.

If your event is less than four weeks away and you are not able to attend, you can reschedule individuals or your entire group and apply your ticket(s) to another Stars & STEM date.

COVID-related cancellations made less than four weeks away from your event will be considered on a case-by-case basis for refund if rescheduling is not possible.

If Space Center Houston cancels your event due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we will either refund you, or you can apply your tickets to another Stars & STEM date.

Rescheduling your Stars & STEM date can be done by emailing reservations@spacecenter.org or the program coordinator stars&stem@spacecenter.org. Please note that all dates are subject to availability.

Can I add additional students and chaperones once I have sent in my final payment?

Yes! Additional students may be added if there is availability. Please remember that payment must be received for any tickets purchased after the final payment has been sent prior to your arrival.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of people that can attend the Stars & STEM program? How many students can I bring at one time?

All Stars & STEM programs have an event minimum of 20 people. If an event does not meet the 20-person minimum, it can either be refunded or rescheduled to a later Stars & STEM event date. Stars & STEM evening programs have a maximum of 250 people. Please note that attendees ages 18 and younger must have a chaperone.

How far in advance should I plan to book my Stars & STEM visit?

The earlier that you make your reservation, the better chance that you will have of getting the date of your choice. Registration must be completed six weeks before your Stars & STEM visit.

Who can attend Stars & STEM?

Stars & STEM is geared toward groups, but any school-aged students are welcome to attend as long as the minimum requirement of 20 students is met. If the minimum participant requirement is not met, the event can either be refunded or reschedule to a later Stars & STEM event date.

How many chaperones should our group have?

Space Center Houston requires at least one (1) adult chaperone for every ten (10) students.

What are the meal options prior to or after the event?

All Stars & STEM participants will receive a catered meal, which is included with their ticket price.

Do the students need to complete a Space Center Houston medical form?

Yes, each participant, student and adult, needs to complete a Space Center Houston medical form that can be downloaded from the Stars & STEM webpage. The lead chaperone of the group needs to have these forms on their person during the entire Stars & STEM event.

How long does the second-day tour take?

The NASA Tram Tour, which takes you to NASA Johnson Space Center, takes 60 to 90 minutes. Time spent inside Space Center Houston depends on whether your group views any large-screen films or live shows. Three to five hours is usually sufficient, however, we invite you to stay as long as you like!

Will my group have a tour guide?

Prior to your event, the lead chaperone will split the participants into smaller groups to maintain safe social distancing during the event. These groups will each have an instructor to guide them through their activities that evening after dinner. The tram tour is the only part of your second day that will be guided. Touring inside the center is completely self-guided.

Will we get to check out the exhibits and the gift shop during the event?

The exhibits and gift shops will be available only when you use your second day ticket. The Stars & STEM program will keep you busy with hands-on activities throughout your evening.

Do I need to make the hotel arrangements?

Evening Stars & STEM participants that need a hotel should make their own arrangements.

Is there a first aid facility?

Space Center Houston houses a first aid station that is available during the day. Space Center Houston Camp Staff has access to a basic first aid kit for your use.

What safety protocol have to be followed during the event?

Face masks for fully-vaccinated guests ages two and older are highly recommended indoors and are required for all guests while on the NASA Tram Tour. If guests are fully vaccinated AND are at least two weeks past receiving their final dose, those guests are no longer required to wear a face mask or physical distance; however, face masks are required for unvaccinated guests at all times and are required for all guests on the NASA Tram Tour. Space Center Houston employees in public facing areas are required to wear a mask for the safety of everyone.