What It’s Like to Go to Space Camp [Updated for 2022]

Did you dream of being an astronaut as a kid? Maybe your own kid is completely space-obsessed. Whether you’re enduring an endless stream of pleas from your child – or your inner child –, it’s time to go to Space Camp!

Space Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can relive those dreams of astronaut stardom or let your own child see how deep their passion for space science goes. In this post, you’ll learn all about what Space Camp is like, how much it costs, and the different Space Camp programs.

Watch this quick video to get a look at what it’s like to go to Space Camp, then read on for all the details.

This post was originally published in January 2019, and was updated most recently in May 2022.

How Does Space Camp Work?

“Space Camp starts on Sunday and cadets graduate the following Friday,” says Robin Soprano, Director of Simulations at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Soprano serves as the equivalent of a combination of camp director and activities director for Space Camp. She is constantly evolving its programming and experiences to help educate and inspire space-enthusiastic attendees in the 21st century.

The Sunday-through-Friday schedule is for children who attend one of the three programs targeted at attendees under 18. 9-to-11 year-olds attend the traditional “Space Camp,” focusing on astronaut training techniques, sims to inspire creating thinking and problem solving, and the basics of rocketry. 12-to-14 year-olds attend “Space Academy;” 15-to-18 year-olds attend “Advanced Space Academy.” Each different program increases the complexity and educational impact for attendees as they age, so future astronauts (enthusiastic children) can attend every level if they want.

Other special programs include an 8-day “Advanced Space Academy Elite” program for the top tier of teenage attendees; “Adult Space Camp;” programming for families or educators; and even a day camp option. Most of these programs operate on weekends (Friday to Sunday) in between sessions with children cadets.

In addition to all of the Space Camp options, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers aviation, robotics, and cyber technology camps. “40,000 to 45,000 people enroll per year [across all camps],” Soprano shares.

The Top Experiences at Space Camp

Space Camp is designed to both educate and inspire attendees through a series of astronaut training experiences and “astrosims.” These astrosims tackle a variety of experiences that a real astronaut might face when working for NASA.

“We’re trying to inspire the kids who will be the ones to go to Mars: what does it take to live independent of earth?,” Soprano shares of her focus in camp programming. “We’re moving out of space shuttles and toward space flight. We have two Orion simulators, and the [Sierra Nevada Corporation] Dream Chaser, [SpaceX] Dragon, and [Boeing] Starliner on our wishlist.”

“Our goal is how can we tell NASA’s story,” continues Soprano. “As we’re moving toward Commercial Crew and turn over the ISS to private industry, we try to model that here. Dragon and Starliner capsules will help tell that story too.”

While visiting in October 2018, we also see a Mars colony base sim under construction. The team at U.S. Space & Rocket Center is working to come up with engaging and interactive programming that allows students to get a sense for the real work astronauts will do in the future. “The automation [of spaceflight] gives us a challenge. How do we make it more interactive?,” muses Soprano.

Don’t worry: plenty of Space Camp is interactive. Here are some of the experiences you’ll have during Space Camp.

1. The Multi-Axis Trainer

If you’ve ever wondered how you’ll fare in space where there is no ‘up’ and ‘down,’ the multi-axis trainer is a great experience. A motor powers three concentric circles which rotate in seemingly random patterns – and you’ll be strapped to a chair right in the middle of it.

Though you might worry about motion sickness, the chair is actually designed to keep your stomach in a single point in space. Motion sickness, if any, will be minimal, but you’ll get a great sense for how Sandra Bullock might have felt tumbling through space in Gravity.

2. The Moon Gravity Simulator

Also known as the 1/6th gravity simulator, you can experience what it was like to walk on the moon. Strap into a chair on springs and pulleys, and one of the Space Camp staff will attach a leash so you don’t go bounding away. (Yes, it’s quite easy to do so – and hard to control your movements when you can’t count on gravity to help!)

Spend a few minutes bounding on a moon-like surface to appreciate how Apollo 16 astronaut John Young could so easily bounce around while wearing the 180-pound (82kg) life support suit.

3. A Shuttle Orbiter Launch & Landing

While Space Camp continues to develop its futuristic programming, you can still experience a highlight of 20th-century human spaceflight: a simulated Space Shuttle launch and landing. Board the cockpit of the shuttle sim with your team of pilots, payload specialists, and mission specialists to experience the rumble of launch and the tricky maneuvering sometimes required during landing.

During this sim, you’ll also get to speak with Mission Control. Staff in Mission Control provide instructions in real-time during sims, using the same complex language astronauts learn to interpret and act upon. My team struggled and landed on the beach, so it seems we need to go back to astronaut training at Johnson Space Center!

4. Taking a Spacewalk

One of the most complex and exhausting parts of Space Camp is taking a spacewalk – just like astronauts report spacewalking to be an exhilarating but arduous task. Suit up with the help of a staff member, and step into a harness that lifts you up 12 feet (4m). There you’ll tether onto a simulated exterior of the International Space Station to work with a teammate on a series of tasks repairing the ISS.

Just like in space, every nut, bolt, and wrench must be tethered so it doesn’t fall… er, float away, and the instructions require a series of complex tasks, coordinated efforts, and communication with your spacewalking teammate. You also can’t open your helmet for fresh air, despite how hot the space suit will get.

5. Orion Launch & Landing

New to Space Camp in the last few years, you can step inside simulated Orion launch and landing capsules to get a sense for what future astronauts will use to get to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

After the Shuttle sim, Orion will feel like you’ve fast-forwarded 50 years; huge screens and automation take care of the majority of launch and landing. However, you’ll still need to speak to Mission Control, monitor all of the important instruments, and respond in an anomalous situation.

You can crawl from the launch cockpit to the landing module to better understand how astronauts will navigate between the two. End with a moon landing experience sim as well.

6. Visiting U.S. Space & Rocket Center

On the grounds of U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Space Camp is just one part of what you can experience here. U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the public-facing experience for visitors who want to see the work NASA is doing at nearby NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

You can’t miss seeing some of the artifacts, replicas, and history housed in this massive museum. Don’t miss the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, home to one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia in the world. A full-size Saturn V is housed inside, with informative exhibits and displays all around the hall. You can also see a mock lunar lander and rover, and the Apollo 16 command module.

From U.S. Space & Rocket Center, you can also book a tour to NASA Marshall. The 2- to 2.5-hour bus tour shows you key highlights of NASA Marshall and the work they’re doing there.

Space Camp for Children vs. Adults

Space Camp is primarily targeted at kids, but over time the programming has evolved to include offerings for adults too. So what’s the difference?

Space Camp for children is a longer, overnight experience where kids stay on-site for a full five days (eight for “Advanced Space Academy Elite”). The goal is for children to learn and bond together with their crewmates, and to experience all the camp has to offer.

Space Camp for adults is a shorter, weekend experience. Adult attendees can choose to stay overnight in the bunks – or stay at a nearby hotel. Simulations are adjusted for complexity and programming is truncated to allow you to get a flavor of astronaut life. Even in three days, you’ll run multiple sims, try all of the training experiences, and have plenty of time to gaze longingly at the Saturn V.

What Else to Do in Rocket City, USA

Space Camp is the tip of the rocket for experiences in its hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. Colloquially known as Rocket City, USA, there are plenty of amazing ways to experience space in Huntsville, Alabama. If you’re purely interested in space experiences, be sure to visit Von Braun Astronomical Society with its planetarium and observatory in Monte Sano State Park. Cathedral Caverns is also a cool experience if you’re curious about what living on Mars might look like (will we live underground?!).

You can also sample the culture, art, food, and history in Huntsville.

• Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment houses dozens of local artists in working studios and galleries, or you can enjoy the exhibits at the Huntsville Museum of Art.
• Grab a meal at A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard for a distinctly southern experience, or spend a whole afternoon feeding coins into the arcade games at Pint and Pixels.
• Explore Campus 805 for axe-throwing at Civil Axe Throwing, wood-fired pizza from Earth & Stone, and fresh beer from Yellowhammer or Straight to Ale brewing companies.
• History lovers will enjoy a walking tour of the historic Twickenham district or a visit to Burritt on the Mountain.
• Nature lovers can stroll the grounds at the Huntsville Botanical Garden or go for a hike in the Land Trust of North Alabama.

There’s plenty to do whether you extend your trip to Huntsville beyond Space Camp, or you’re a parent or caregiver enjoying a week of vacation while your future astronaut (child) is at Space Camp themselves.

Other Important Space Camp Info

Updated for 2022, this section has the logistical details you need to finish planning a trip to Space Camp.

How Much Does Space Camp Cost?

Less than a moon sample! (Kidding – moon samples aren’t for sale!) The cost varies depending on the programming you (or your child) plan to attend, as well as age:

*All children must be at least 7 years old.

To see all options and prices, visit the Space Camp website.

Space Camp Dates in 2022

Space Camp dates vary each year, and by program. Here are the basics:

• Space Camp for children runs all summer long. In 2022, it starts on Sunday, May 1st, and runs every Sunday until Sunday, August 28th.
• Advanced Space Academy Elite 2022 dates haven’t been announced yet. For reference only, in 2020, it ran just once: July 25th to August 1st.
• Adult Space Camp occurs one weekend monthly through the winter months, and more frequently in the summer months; 2022 dates are already sold out, so check Adult Space Camp page for exact 2023 dates and availability.

To see all dates and availability, visit the Space Camp website. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these dates may vary, change, or be canceled.

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Admission

If you don’t want to attend Space Camp but just want to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, you can do so. Admission to U.S. Space & Rocket Center is $30 for adults, $20 for children aged 5 to 12, and free for children under age 4. The add-on bus tour to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is temporarily suspended due to worldwide health concerns associated with the COVID-19 virus.

Hotels Near Space Camp

Whether you’re attending Adult Space Camp and aren’t keen to stay in the dorms or need to spend a few nights while your child is at Space Camp, there are hotel options very close to the area.

• The Huntsville Marriott at the Space & Rocket Center is within walking distance of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
• The Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville is a 3-minute drive from Space Camp and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
• The Hilton Garden Inn – Huntsville/Space Center is a 5-minute drive from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
• The Extended Stay America Huntsville – U.S. Space and Rocket Center is also a 5-minute drive from Space Camp and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

Compare all hotel prices in Huntsville on Hotels.com.

Ready to enroll at Space Camp? Let me know any questions you have in the comments!

This post was sponsored by Visit Hunstville, Space Camp, and U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

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