Experience a calm environment at Low Sensory Nights

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Join us for a special Sensory Friendly evening at Galaxy Lights where we create a calm, relaxed holiday atmosphere for guests who prefer a quieter, less stimulating experience.

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Camp in the museum on Saturday 12/20

Get special access to Galaxy Lights during our Family Overnight! Experiencedazzling, immersive lights where you and your family become part of the galaxy! Hands-on STEM experiences and holiday cheer make for an unforgettable sleepover.

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Watch the film “Holidays in Space”

Holiday magic meets cosmic wonders in an immersive short film about life aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

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Discover the dazzling science behind light

Discover the science behind our dazzling world of color with a live presentation, demonstrations and more!

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Festive treats and cozy fires

Make your own s’mores over a fire with your crew! Then cap the night off with fresh hot cocoa.

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Astronaut selfies and Apollo-themed lanterns

Enjoy one-of-a-kind displays saluting Houston’s role in the past, present and future of space exploration.

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Astronaut Days Weekend 

We launched Astronaut August with Astronaut Days hosted by public programs. This two-day event was packed with interactive space-related activities, astronaut presentations, a puzzle mural with brain teasers, radiation pop-up labs where you created your own bookmark, an interactive tech wall for all ages, and Lunar Outpost was present, raffling off exclusive Lego sets! This once-a-year weekend event was not just about fun, but also about learning firsthand about the incredible journey of living and working in space.   

Touch the Stars with José Hernández Weekend 

One of the most memorable weekends in August was our exclusive “Touch the Stars with José Hernández” event. We were honored to welcome former NASA astronaut José Hernández for a weekend packed with inspiration and meaningful engagement for members only. The weekend kicked off with a special screening of “A Million Miles Away,” followed by a live interview with José Hernández, moderated by our CEO, William T. Harris. Members. It was enthralling to hear José’s remarkable journey, from migrant farmworker to astronaut, during the interview, and his passion for inspiring an interest in STEM in communities everywhere. 

Members who attended our VIP experience that night enjoyed:

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails
• A personal meet-and-greet with José Hernández
• A professional photo opportunity with José Hernández
• A personalized member gift bundle that included:
• A signed copy of one of his books
• A member-exclusive pin
• A commemorative lithograph
• A printed keepsake photo with José Hernández

Our general members’ reception was just as special, offering:

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar
• José Hernández book sales at our gift shop
• A commemorative lithograph
• autographs and photo opportunities with José Hernández

The following morning, the inspiration continued with Sunrise Social, a delicious all-you-can-eat brunch, where Hernández gave a special presentation, followed by more photo ops and meet-and-greets.

Following that, we wrapped up the weekend with two free readings of his children’s book by José Hernández, one in English and one in Spanish, followed by interactive Q&A and autograph sessions. Kids were treated to free Mini Melts ice cream and walked away beaming with inspiration. 

This entire weekend was deeply moving, humble, and greatly appreciated by our member community. We would like to offer more premium events like this in the future! 

New Member Thank You Party

We closed out Astronaut August with our biggest event yet: the New Member Thank You Party, which welcomed over 850 members!

Highlights of the evening included:

• Meet-and-greets with NASA astronauts Mike Baker, Jerry Ross, and Mike Foreman
• A planetarium experience
• Lunar Samples Vault tours with Paul Spana, our Director of Collections and Curator
• Independence Plaza tours with Irwin Stewart, our Senior Donor Engagement Assistant
• NASA Alumni League sharing personal stories of space exploration and artifacts

Members also enjoyed: 

• Free Mini Melts 
• Complimentary Member Crew swag 
• Free access to our Simulator and VR experiences 
• Tons of hands-on activities for all ages 

It was a spectacular way to conclude a month full of space, science, and community. 

Thank You, Members!  

Thank you to all our members who made Astronaut August such a success. Your participation and enthusiasm made Astronaut August a resounding experience. You make a difference here every day. We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to many more inspiring events with you.  

Mark your calendars! 

Join us during these upcoming Member Events!  

Monthly Member Mornings 

• October 11 – Space Center Birthday Celebration 
  • Get a glimpse of our Explorer Camps and Overnight programs while celebrating our Opening Day of our center 
• November 8 – National STEM Day 
  • Highlighting our education programs as well as STEM activities 
• December 13 – Launch The Holidays 
  • Highlighting our Space U programs and the holiday season 

Membership Events 

Discovery Briefing│Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph – Friday, October 3 
Galaxy Lights Member Preview Night – Friday, November 14 
Space News and Brews – December 6^th at Saloon Door in Webster, TX 
Stars and STEM: Our Amazing Solar System – Sunday, December 7 

Our next big Member Month will be February 2026, with many exclusive events happening for Member Appreciation Month! We can’t wait to celebrate with you again. 

Not a member yet? Now’s the perfect time to join and be part of our exciting community! Your membership supports our mission to educate and inspire, provides student and educator learning opportunities, and gives you year-round access to exclusive benefits and events. 

Join today and be part of something extraordinary. 

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One of Susana’s most memorable experiences was assisting with the Epidemiologic Research on Screening for Vestibular and Balance Disorders with Baylor College of Medicine. “We helped hundreds of visitors participate in tests similar to those that astronauts undergo,” Susana recalls. The visitor results helped to create the baseline of comparison with astronaut results. “This experience perfectly illustrates what makes volunteering at Space Center Houston so unique,” Susana says. “Here, it’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about creating hands-on, meaningful moments that spark curiosity and inspire others.” 

When we talk about the impact of our collective efforts to advance STEM education and inspire the astronauts and engineers of tomorrow, your time is a meaningful gift. In fact, Susana believes Space Center Houston is the perfect place to start cultivating future leaders, igniting curiosity and increasing science confidence in our visitors of all ages. Whether your passion is science, education, history, or simply connecting with others, there’s a place for you here. Susana describes her experience as educational, social, and fun, reflecting on all she has learned, the lasting friendships she has made, and the joy she’s found along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered how to utilize your expertise and take part in something meaningful, follow Susana’s lead and get involved.

Please visit spacecenter.org/support/get-involved for more information on opportunities to do so. 

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To help meet this growing need, we’ve created the Launching Digital Literacy program, an exciting new initiative designed to support educators, students and their families. With a focus on access, engagement, and inspiration, the program offers meaningful learning experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity, and open up new opportunities for the next generation of thinkers and innovators.

Centered on equity, this no-cost program targets under-resourced students in and around the Greater Houston area. Backed by comprehensive research and input from local STEM educators, the program reflects Space Center Houston’s deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). 

What makes the Launching Digital Literacy Program truly impactful is how it started—with listening. Space Center Houston’s Audience and Evaluation team reached out to educators across Houston metropolitan school districts, gathering feedback. Through interviews and surveys, they identified what educators needed most: adaptable learning formats, accessible resources, and support in reaching students facing digital barriers.  

These insights shaped a vision, grounding it in real-world needs and community-driven solutions. By integrating powerful platforms like AT&T’s Connected Learning and The Achievery, Khan Academy, and NASA’s Universe of Learning, in partnership with Smithsonian Affiliations, students gain access –many for the first time– to free, high-quality digital tools that complement their classroom learning.  This new integrated approach not only improves digital literacy, but it has also revealed improved academic performance and long-term engagement with STEM education as outcomes. These efforts help to close the digital divide and open new pathways for discovery, skill-building, and academic growth. 

Another exciting experience the Launching Digital Literacy Program provides is a hands-on activity using Sphero BOLT robots. Students are guided through the engineering design process as they design chariots to navigate the surface of “Mars” while collecting materials and samples. They learn fundamental skills in coding, engineering design, problem-solving, and collaboration through experiences that make STEM both tangible and fun. 

Launching Digital Literacy program also recognizes the importance of preparing students for life beyond the classroom. In its third and final component, résumé-building and career readiness, students learn how to create their own résumés, explore formatting strategies, and discuss how to present themselves professionally to future employers. For many students, this is their first glimpse into career preparation– an empowering experience that helps them envision themselves in professional spaces.

Space Center Houston is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to bring these inspiring programs to life. We are especially thankful to our community partners, AT&T, CenterPoint Energy Foundation, and NASA’s Universe of Learning, in partnership with Smithsonian Affiliations for their generous support of the Launching Digital Literacy program and for investing in students’ potential. 

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Honoring Harold and Sherry Siegfried, the newly created scholarship is an expression of deep love and admiration. Harold Siegfried dedicated 27 years to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, playing a role in the pioneering days of America’s space program. His passion for flight and space exploration began with rubber band airplane models and carried him through a career with the U.S. Air Force, Boeing, General Dynamics, and, ultimately, NASA. As a tribute to Harold’s decades of work in the space industry, the scholarship was established by a gift from his daughter, Vicki Siegfried Rippetoe, and her husband, Freddie Rippetoe. 

The scholarship provides a deserving student with the opportunity to attend Space Center University (Space Center U®), an extraordinary, one-week hands-on educational experience here at Space Center Houston. Space Center U allows students to explore robotics, rocketry, thermal protection systems, and space habitats. At its core, this scholarship is about giving someone the chance to dream big and begin making that dream a reality. 

A powerful moment for the scholarship came at the “Launching the Future” luncheon, where the first recipient, Brooklynn Levi, was announced. Sharing that moment with Gene Kranz, a legendary figure in NASA history, made the experience unforgettable. 

To students who may feel uncertain about applying, here’s a heartfelt message from the scholarship’s founder, Vicki Siegfried Rippetoe: 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime and one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. The experience and knowledge you will gain, along with the friendships and memories you make, will follow you throughout your life. So, shoot for the stars and embrace every opportunity that comes your way; you never know where it will lead you.” 

Thank you, Vicki, for your generous partnership in honoring your parents through The Harold and Sherry Siegfried Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, along with other donations made through our Annual Fund, serves as a launchpad for inspired students to pursue their dreams in STEM.

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