Space Camp is a very special place for anyone who is interested in vast expansion surrounding the Earth. At Space Camp, students learn about the history of space and flight. They learn to work as teams, experience simulators, complete simulated missions and find out what it really takes to become an astronaut. Attendees can expect to be trained like an astronaut on the 1/6th Gravity Chair and the Multi-Axis Trainer. They will design, build, and launch rockets. Also, scuba dive in the underwater astronaut trainer, experience engineering challenges like building a rover, fly jet simulators, and prepare to go to Mars and account for every contingency.
For the first time since Space Camp opened, the covid-19 pandemic shut it down for a short time. A GoFundMe was created, and within two days donations had been received from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Their goal was 1.5 million dollars which was reached in a matter of days. Big name companies who benefit heavily from space travel, like Boeing and Northrop Grumman, donated to the campaign. Due to the generous donations, not only is Space Camp able to reopen their doors, so to was the museum at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Besides the positive influence on young scientist and space enthusiast, Space Camp and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center has a major impact on the economy of Alabama. It generates around $120 million in annual revenue for the state. Attending Space Camp increased my interest in step topics and pushed me to get a degree in biomedical science.
Additional Information:
- “Our History.” Space Camp: https://www.spacecamp.com/about/ourhistory
- “Rocket City, Alabama: Space History and an Eye on the Future.” AP NEWS: https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-mars-huntsville-moons-d4c8b31ad3d245d8b5a71b2b4eaa9a21