From Rocket Launches to Mission Control: Students Explore Space Science in Houston
Over February Half Term, 80 Eltham College students and eight members of staff travelled to Houston, Texas, for an unforgettable six-day visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center as part of the Space Centre University programme.
From the moment we arrived, students were immersed in an intensive programme of hands-on STEM activities designed to challenge, inspire and stretch their thinking. Working in small groups across the week, students built and tested model rockets, took part in thermal tile and cryogenics challenges, explored Rocket Park and the Space Vehicle Mock-Up Facility and toured key areas of the Johnson Space Center, including Mission Control.
One of the highlights of the week was the rocket launch experience, where students saw the results of their engineering work in action. Another standout activity was the SCUBA and water robotics session, which recreated aspects of astronaut training in microgravity conditions.
Students also undertook a Mars Habitat Challenge, researching materials to protect against radiation and designing sustainable living environments capable of supporting a crew on Mars. Robotics and coding sessions culminated in competitive end-effector builds and programming challenges, showcasing impressive teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills.
We were privileged to hear from distinguished NASA guests, including Dr Gary Kitmacher, who shared insights from his 45-year career, and NASA astronaut Colonel Kevin Ford, who piloted the Space Shuttle, spent five months on the ISS and whose talk provided a truly memorable conclusion to the programme.
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, students experienced Texan culture with a line-dancing lesson, an evening at Kemah Boardwalk and team-building activities including bowling, laser tag and mini golf.
The week concluded with a graduation ceremony at NASA, celebrating the commitment, enthusiasm and achievements of all students involved. It was an extraordinary opportunity to experience world-class STEM learning first-hand and an inspiring reminder that the future of space exploration may well one day include members of our own Eltham College community.
