Five-day high school STEM camp where students aged 15-18 build rockets, program robotic rovers for Mars and train as astronauts.
Space Center Houston is running the Martian Expedition from Monday, December 28, to Wednesday, December 30, 2026, as part of its Space Center U STEM camp. It's the high school track of the program, open to students ages 15 to 18, and it runs from 8 AM to 4 PM each day. The session is capped at 70 students.
Most of the time is spent on engineering design. You'll build and launch rockets, engineer and code robotic rovers to navigate the Martian surface, and construct cryogenic capsules designed to withstand temperatures as low as -321°F (-196°C). That's paired with astronaut training simulations and microgravity techniques. It's project-based teamwork, and you'll hear from guest speakers from NASA, with some sessions including a live presentation from an astronaut. The whole thing is rooted in real-world space exploration.
Beyond the engineering, there are a few extras built in. Lunch is provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering, and you'll get a tour of the shuttle replica Independence, which is mounted on the historic Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The program wraps with a graduation ceremony and a certificate. For students who might need a hand with the cost, the Gene Kranz Scholarship supports deserving participants—it's named after the flight director and his 'Kranz Dictum' of being 'Tough' and 'Competent.'
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There are two versions of the program to choose from. The full five-day version is $779.95 per student, with a group rate of $679.95 for groups of more than 20. The shorter three-day version is $439.95 per student, or $379.95 for larger groups. Both run from 8 AM to 4 PM at Space Center Houston.
