Advanced Space Academy: Huntsville Space & Rocket Center

We will be flying into Huntsville, Alabama, and taking a shuttle to the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center. Once on site, students will remain on the secure campus throughout the experience. Students will bunk in a model of the International Space Station and will eat meals in the cafeteria. Students will work as a team during the exercises. They will have some free time and opportunities to buy snacks and souvenirs at the gift shop throughout the week. Students will attend a graduation ceremony on Friday, where group and individual awards will be given based on their performances during the week. The Advanced Space Academy explores college and career preparation through an immersive experience in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. Participants experience a variety of astronaut training exercises, engineering challenges, and team-building activities, all culminating in an extended-duration simulated space mission. 

Activities & Educational Goals:

1. Train like an astronaut on the 1/6th Gravity Chair and Multi-Axis Trainer.

2. Design, build, and launch a team rocket and safely recover its payload.

3. Learn team-building skills on the high elements at the Space Camp Challenge Course.

4. Test your skills in engineering challenges by constructing a heat shield and building a rover.

5. Fly jet aircraft simulators.

6. Discover the role the International Space Station plays in our global community.

7. Prepare for every contingency as you go to Mars on an extended-duration mission simulation.

8. U.S. residents earn one credit hour of freshman-level general science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in this college-accredited program. 

Instructors: Chris Brooks and Benji Billman

Open to: Grades 9-12

Limit: 12 students

Cost: $3200

Local Day: Friday, March 5

Depart: Sunday, March 7 

Return: Friday, March 12