STEM camp for high schoolers aged 15-18 where they take on the roles of astronauts, Mission Control and support staff for a simulated mission to the ISS.
Space Center Houston is running a Mission Training: Destination ISS session from Monday, December 28, to Wednesday, December 30, 2026, for high schoolers ages 15-18. It's part of Space Center U, a STEM camp at the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. This particular track puts students right in the middle of space operations: they step into the roles of astronauts, Mission Control, and scientific backroom support, working through the communication, teamwork, and leadership challenges that make a mission to the International Space Station possible.
The program includes behind-the-scenes access to real astronaut training facilities at Johnson Space Center and Rocket Park, guest speakers from NASA, and, for select sessions, a live presentation with an astronaut. Lunch is served daily by Wolfgang Puck Catering, and the session closes with a graduation ceremony awarding a certificate and a medal to the top teams. There's also the Gene Kranz Scholarship, which honors the 'Kranz Dictum' of competence under pressure, innovative problem solving, and excellent teamwork.
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It runs 8 AM to 4 PM each day, so it's a full three-day commitment over the holiday break. The cost is $719.95 per student, or $619.95 per student for groups of more than 20. Space Center Houston is at 1601 E NASA Pkwy in Houston.
