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. 

The post Empowering the Next Generation appeared first on Space Center Houston.

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.

The post Harold and Sherry Siegfried Memorial Scholarship  appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Joy began her career conducting research in space robotics, later transitioning into work on military applications and contributing to start-up companies. Her leadership skills and technical expertise led her to serve as Vice President of the Jacobs Clear Lake Group (JCLG), a large organization supporting NASA Johnson Space Center’s Engineering Directorate and Astromaterials Research and Exploration Sciences Group. Her leadership roles began as Director of Engineering and culminated as General Manager of the organization.  

In 2024, Joy celebrated a well-deserved retirement after years of inspiring dedication. Her colleagues at Jacobs recognized her commitment to creating opportunities for younger people and chose to honor Joy by donating $6,000 for Space Center Houston’s Girls STEM Pathway and Innovation Pop-Up Labs programs. These programs help ignite curiosity and open doors for young women in STEM. This tribute not only celebrated Joy’s incredible impact but also ensured her passion for creating opportunities will continue to flourish. 

Currently, Joy plays a vital role at Space Center Houston, where she serves on the Board of Directors. At the time of her retirement, she also took the reins as Chair of Space Center Houston’s Education Committee. Her leadership and vision are instrumental in shaping the center’s mission to inspire awe and wonder about all things space – bringing people and space closer together. 

If you’d like to support the future space innovation, please consider making a donation to our Education Programs: 

$500 – Funds student field trips to come and experience STEM programming 

$1,000 – Provides one deserving student a scholarship to Space Center U through the Gene Kranz Scholarship

$2,500 – Supports local, under-resourced students to compete in The Conrad Challenge, Presented by Equinor 

The post How Joy Kelly Found Her Path in Space appeared first on Space Center Houston.

As we build this educational space, we invite you to be part of the journey. Your support is still needed to help preserve this legacy and create hands-on learning opportunities that ignite curiosity and imagination. Please consider making a donation to help bring the additions to LINC to life. 

Once a vital tool in preparing astronauts for space missions, the PDL II supported real-time mission operations, crew training, engineering assessments, and the development of critical procedures. Behind the scenes, it played an essential role in training nearly every astronaut who visited the International Space Station during its first 25 years. 

In the near future, this once-operational trainer will begin its next chapter as an educational centerpiece. There, it will help prepare adult learners for the challenges of spaceflight, spark curiosity in visitors of all ages, and inspire future generations to explore, create, and reach for the stars.

The post Payload Development Laboratory (PDL) II appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Northrop Grumman specifically chose Space Center Houston for this donation, recognizing the center’s role in inspiring the next generation of explorers and its deep connection to the Artemis program. Delivered on a flatbed trailer, the impressive structure measures 14.5 feet in diameter, 21 feet long, and weighs approximately 7,500 pounds. Now proudly featured in the Artemis exhibit, the mock-up offers guests a rare and powerful experience—they can walk through a piece of our future in space.

Originally built in 2019, this habitat played a key role in the early design and planning phases of NASA’s Gateway, a small space station that will orbit the Moon and serve as a hub for Artemis missions. Engineers and astronauts used the mock-up to study how people might live and work in lunar orbit. It helped refine critical elements such as ergonomics, lighting, ventilation, communication systems, and even emergency procedures. Every inch represents hours of testing and collaboration aimed at building something that can safely support life far from Earth.

One standout feature of the habitat mock-up is its three docking ports, designed to accommodate visiting spacecraft and future modules, an essential element for a functioning lunar space station. Built primarily from aluminum with vinyl detailing and a steel base, the mock-up captures the essence of what Gateway could be. Interestingly, it also includes design elements like sleep stations and a window that were ultimately removed from the final version to save weight. These changes highlight the complex trade-offs engineers must make when designing for space.

This evolution between concept and final design creates a unique learning opportunity. For educators and students, the mock-up serves as a tangible case study in space engineering. Why were some features sacrificed? What materials offer the best balance of strength and weight? How do you design a livable space environment where every decision counts? These questions transform the mock-up into a powerful teaching tool grounded in real-world problem-solving.

This artifact bridges the gap between concept and reality, offering a hands-on look at the challenges and triumphs of space engineering. It’s an experience that sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and shows how human ingenuity is making space exploration possible. It’s a reminder that every great leap forward starts with testing, learning, and adapting.

As guests pass through its doors, they do not just see the future, they step into it.

The post Gateway Habitat Lands in Houston appeared first on Space Center Houston.

Their groundbreaking concept involves a precision laser mounted on a robotic arm, designed to send a controlled energy beam to a satellite’s solar panel. This energy overload forces the satellite to discharge its battery, triggering a software reboot that reactivates the solar panels and resumes recharging the battery. This technique, inspired by the familiar act of rebooting electronics, offers a novel solution for resolving software malfunctions in orbit, giving satellites a second chance at life.  

But their journey has been about more than just the invention. It is about purpose. Team Lasar entered the Conrad Challenge to compete and pursue their vision to leave a mark on the aerospace world. Throughout the process, they have learned various valuable skills, from web development and graphic design to 3D modeling and systems engineering. 

The experience has pushed their boundaries, sparked new passions, and helped them grow not only as innovators but also as future leaders in science and technology.  

Their momentum didn’t stop with the Conrad Challenge. Recognized for their groundbreaking innovation, the team was offered access to the CubeSat platform, a miniature satellite system used for advanced space research. In November, their technology was launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket, breaking through the atmosphere and proving their idea was not just visionary but truly space worthy.   

Their success at the Conrad Challenge Innovation Summit has helped them secure funding, connect with high-level political leaders, and demonstrate that when it comes to the next generation, there is every reason for optimism.  

Today, Team Lasar continues to experiment with their onboard system and refine their ground-based laser platform. Their journey from a bold idea to a satellite orbiting Earth is a testament to the power of curiosity, teamwork, and the drive to make a difference.  

Learn more about the inspiring work happening through the Conrad Challenge at conrad.spacecenter.org

The post Team Lasar’s Conrad Challenge Journey appeared first on Space Center Houston.

For Manuel and his family, their membership in the Discovery Circle has become more than a monthly outing. It’s a passport to learning, connection, and lasting memories. They visit often, with Patron-level access to one-of-a-kind membership events. Moon 2 Mars Festival has been a favorite. “It’s the perfect blend of fun, learning, and quality time,” Manuel says. “Our kids love the science and robotics activities, and we all leave inspired.” 

The influence of Space Center Houston has extended well beyond weekend family trips. As an entrepreneur in the solar industry, Manuel found a powerful connection between space innovation and his own professional world. One unexpected moment of inspiration came during a member event, where he met an employee working on carbon-capture paint technology. That conversation sparked an idea: what if this innovation could be adapted for the heavy equipment used in his industry? “It was one of those moments where passion met purpose,” he says. Now, that spark has turned into a reality. His company uses carbon-capture paint on all its equipment to refurbish it before it goes back into the field. He stated, “I look forward to helping expand it into other areas at work as well”. All these upgrades happened because of a connection I made through Space Center Houston.” 

When asked what sets Space Center Houston apart, Manuel is quick to credit the people behind the scenes. “The staff and leadership don’t get enough recognition. They are the heartbeat of this place. Every time we interact with them, whether over the phone, in person, or at events, they make us feel welcomed, appreciated, and part of something greater.” 

Now, the Molina family is part of something truly greater since the additional philanthropic portion of the Discovery Circle membership funds Space Center Houston’s new Community Membership program.   As he looks ahead, Manuel is eager to dive deeper into the future of space technology, constantly fascinated by the breakthroughs happening in real time. For him, being a member isn’t just about access to events or exhibits; it’s about being part of a community that dares to dream big and reach for the stars. “Space Center Houston isn’t just about what’s out there in space,” he says. “It’s about what’s possible right here on Earth, in our families, our careers, and our hearts.” 

The post Discovery Circle Spotlight appeared first on Space Center Houston.

This program represents a bold step forward in our mission to reveal how science and humanity power space exploration. Through the new Community Memberships, individuals and families in the Houston area who receive government assistance—such as WIC or SNAP—can now experience the excitement and inspiration of Space Center Houston at a significantly reduced cost. Discounts are aligned with the level of government benefits received, ensuring accessibility where it’s needed most. 

This program is made possible through the generosity of our Discovery Circle Members. Each Discovery Circle membership contributes approximately $58 to fund discounted Community Memberships, turning one family’s donation into another’s opportunity. Thanks to the Discovery Circle, more individuals can access meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and growth. 

These memberships are more than just access to our center. They’re an invitation to explore, to learn, and to imagine what’s possible. Whether it’s standing beneath a towering rocket or hearing the stories of real astronauts, every moment can spark something extraordinary. 

Enrollment is currently available on-site or through direct contact with our dedicated Membership Department. Future plans include offering access through a meaningful collaboration with Harris County Public Libraries as well as social service providers throughout the Houston metropolitan region. 

Together, we are breaking down barriers and building up futures, one membership at a time. 

Learn more about the Discovery Circle and how you can make a difference at spacecenter.org/membership. Interested in underwriting multiple Community Memberships? Reach out to us at membership@spacecenter.org. We’d love to hear from you. 

The post Creating Space for All appeared first on Space Center Houston.