Home » Space Center U » Ages 11-14 Mission
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
Students | $719.95 |
Chaperones | $719.95 |
Includes admission, supplies, staff, lunch and graduation.
Students | $619.95 |
Chaperones | $619.95 |
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
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 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.
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 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.
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 launches will placed on hold or be 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 reservations@spacecenter.org.
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