From equation to launch pad
Alabama Space Camp is the ultimate STEM adventure, combining hands-on learning with unforgettable experiences at one of the world’s most renowned space and flight education centres.
Based at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, students take part in astronaut training simulations, engineering challenges and immersive workshops inspired by real-world missions. Beyond camp, the trip can be enhanced with visits to leading science, technology and aerospace attractions, creating an inspiring programme that brings classroom learning to life while showcasing future careers in STEM.
Students will also join a distinguished global network of Space Camp alumni, many of whom have gone on to careers in science, engineering, aviation and space exploration.
Trip Highlights
Experience astronaut training apparatus
Join simulated space missions with your crew
Take part in STEM workshops and activities
Access the facilities at the US Space and Rocket Center
Itinerary suggestion
1 Depart the UK on a flight to Atlanta and transfer to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
2 Arrive and check in to your on-site “Habitat” dormitories, take part in a safety briefing and find out your team’s mission assignment.
3 Be fitted for your space suits and take a tour of the campus before resting up ahead of the week ahead.
4 All group meals from this evening will be served in the Space Camp Crew Galley.
1 Take part in a range of camp mission activities, including training like an astronaut on the Multi-Axis Trainer, the 1/6th Gravity Chair
2 Construct a heat shield and build a rover; Fly a jet aircraft; Design, build and launch a team rocket
3 Join simulated missions to the moon or Mars, STEM workshops and Engineering design challenges
4 Hear inspiring stories about commercial STEM pioneers
5 Social evening activities
1 Graduation and check out of Space Camp
2 Transfer to airport by coach for overnight flight home (flight time permitting), or stay an extra night to explore the city of Atlanta and its various cultural and STEM activities
1 Land back in the UK and coach transfer to school
Recommended excursions
Multi-Axis Trainer, 1/6th Gravity Chair and Five Degrees of Freedom Chair
Train like an astronaut using some of Space Camp’s most iconic simulators. Experience the sensation of lunar movement aboard the 1/6th Gravity Chair, designed to replicate the Moon’s reduced gravity, before testing your coordination and spatial awareness on the Five Degrees of Freedom Chair and Multi-Axis Trainer.
These immersive training devices demonstrate the effects of motion, rotation and gravitational forces encountered during spaceflight, while providing a memorable insight into the challenges astronauts face when preparing for missions beyond Earth.
Simulated missions
Step into the world of human spaceflight through immersive simulated missions inspired by real astronaut training to the Moon and Mars. Working in teams, participants take on a range of mission-critical positions aboard a spacecraft or within Mission Control, collaborating to navigate challenges, make key decisions and complete mission objectives.
Engineering and STEM Challenges
Put your STEM skills into practice through hands-on engineering and problem-solving challenges, such as building a rover and flying a jet aircraft in a simulator. Working collaboratively, participants tackle real-world scenarios inspired by the aerospace industry, applying principles of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to design, test and refine innovative solutions.
Team Building and Leadership
Develop essential teamwork and leadership skills through a range of collaborative activities. Participants work together to solve problems, make decisions under pressure and support one another in achieving shared objectives. Whether completing mission-based tasks or tackling group challenges, students build confidence, resilience and effective communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork in the success of complex aerospace operations.
Inspiration4Skills Training Complex
Take training to the next level at the state-of-the-art Inspiration4 Skills Training Complex, one of the newest additions to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Designed to deliver highly immersive learning experiences, the facility combines advanced mission simulations with cutting-edge technology, and activities include Paraism (introducing trainees to the principles behind a parachute) a night vision room, and a new flight operations mission.
National Geographic Theatre and Planetarium
Expand your understanding of space exploration through immersive presentations at the National Geographic Theatre and INTUITIVE® Planetarium. Combining stunning visuals with engaging scientific content, these experiences explore the history, science and future of space travel while bringing complex concepts to life in an accessible way. From journeys through the cosmos to inspiring stories of discovery and innovation, students gain a deeper appreciation of our place in the universe and the technologies that continue to push the boundaries of exploration.
Saturn V Moon Rocket and Davidson Center
Stand beneath the awe-inspiring Saturn V Moon Rocket, the launch vehicle that powered NASA’s Apollo missions to the Moon. Housed within the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, this immersive museum experience brings the story of America’s space programme to life through historic artefacts, interactive exhibits and inspiring displays.
World of Coca Cola Museum, Atlanta
Discover the story behind the world’s most famous brand. See historical coca cola artefacts and marketing campaigns. Visit the vault where the secret formula is kept and get a behind the scenes look at the bottling process. Enjoy the opportunity to taste 100 soft drinks from around the world.
Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta
Founded in 2007, the Mission of this establishment builds on Atlanta’s leading role in the American Civil Rights Movement to reflect on the past, transform the present and inspire the future. Through stories of struggle and courage from Civil Rights Movement helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the role they can play as individuals in protecting the rights of all people.
King Center, Atlanta
This outdoor campus is dedicated to Dr Martin Luther King, with the Eternal flame symbolising the continuing journey towards justice, peace and equality for all of mankind. It is also possible to visit his birthplace, subject to availability, and please note that there is a maximum of 15 people per slot every half hour and 3 slots per group (max 45).
Learning outcomes
KS3 curriculum links (Science, Design and Technology and Maths)
- Forces and gravity: explore scientific principles like weight = mass x gravitational field strength, and how gravity differs on the Moon with fun in the 1/6th Gravity Chair.
- Space physics: see the Saturn V Moon rocket and visit the Davidson Center for Space Exploration and planetarium.
- Energy: learn about conduction and the use of insulators when your teams build a heat shield.
- Design and technology: design, build, test and refine a rover and a team rocket against a brief.
- Maths: understand compound units such as speed, and standard form for distances in space.
GCSE curriculum links (Combined Sciences, Physics, Engineering and Maths)
- Forces: understand Newton’s third law and momentum in rocket launches, and learn about weight and gravitational field strength on the Moon.
- Space physics: discover the solar system, orbits and satellites.
- Thermal insulation: learn how thickness and thermal conductivity affect heat transfer, applied to heat shields.
- Engineering (AQA): learn about aerodynamics (life, drag and thrust) in rocket launches, jet flight and parachutes, and testing and investigation in the engineering challenges.
- Maths: kinematic problems involving distance, velocity and acceleration, as well as velocity-time graphs.
A Level curriculum links (Physics and Maths)
- Mechanics: understand kinematics, projectiles and Newton’s laws, applied to rockets and flight.
- Physics: discover Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum, circular motion on the Multi-Axis Trainer, and gravitational fields.
- Engineering: discover aerospace engineering, materials and engineering and systems engineering.
- Careers: take part in talks from commercial STEM pioneers and get access to Space Camp alumni in science, engineering, aviation and spaceflight
Typical accommodation
Habitat
Why groups like it:
- Located on-site at Space Camp
- Designed to resemble International Space Station living quarters
- All meals served buffet style in the Crew Galley
Facilities:
- 24-hour security
- Teacher rooms with separate bathroom facilities
- Dietary requirements catered for
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A wonderful trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York, students made memories that will last a lifetime. The trip went perfectly.
Abbey Grange C of E Academy
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Thanks to all the team at Travelbound, Bryony especially, for a fantastically organised visit to the US. We had a wonderful visit, superbly organised, action-packed days and super fun evenings. It was all we could have hoped for.
Norwich High School for Girls
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Our trip to Washington and New York was a great experience for everyone, and Travelbound did everything possible to accommodate us with a lot of flexibility and communication!
Shoreham Academy
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Fantastic trip to Washington DC organised with Travelbound. They were responsive to our requests and were accommodating to the various requirements we had. The app was particularly useful and meant that it was easy to show bookings at restaurants and excursion. Overall, it was a well planned trip.
Surbiton High School
Ready to start planning your school trip?
If you have any questions or would like to start planning your trip, contact our educational specialists on 01273 244572 or request a quote below, tailored to your group and learning objectives.
