Explore Mars Experience
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Explore Mars Experience programs are available during select weeks throughout the year. Please email us at [email protected] for available weeks.
Students/Chaperones – $1159.95
The Space Foundation can provide a Visa letter upon request for all international visitors. Visa Invitation letters will only be issued after the administration fee and registration forms have been completed. The letter will be sent to the group coordinator. The Space Foundation will not send the letter to the Embassy or Consulate.
The program has a maximum of 50 students. Please send inquiries to [email protected] What are the age requirements for Explore Mars Experience?
To participate in the program, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18. If the participant is 14 and turning 15, they may attend with the understanding that the material is designed for high school, age-appropriate learning. The Space Foundation reserves the right to deny students that do not meet the age requirements for the program they are registered for. How many adults/chaperones must we bring with the group?
A ratio of 1:10 adults to students is required. Chaperones are required to fill out separate registration form. Do chaperones and tour company representatives need to pay?
Yes, chaperones are required to pay the same registration fee as participants. Chaperones will be provided the same activities and lunches as participants, and will be granted admission to the Space Foundation Discovery Center for the week of the program. What role do the chaperones have with the group while at the Space Foundation?
The chaperones are to support the instructors and we want your participation! This is especially true in the case of language barriers. We want to give the most exciting experience possible to your students. Teamwork between chaperones and instructors helps to make this possible. There must always be at least 1 chaperone / adult present while class is in session with access to both the Medical and Image Release Forms of every student at all times. Does the Space Foundation have dormitories or lodging for the students?
At this time, we have no dormitories for the students or chaperones/adults. Lodging will be the responsibility of the group. Suggested hotels are listed below. Does the Explore Mars Experience program offer transportation?
Transportation from any airport to the hotel is the responsibility of the participant, as is transportation from the hotel to the Space Foundation. Transportation will be needed for participation in off-site activities; transportation is the responsibility of the group for all off-site activities Is there a fee required for booking a reservation?
Yes, we require a $300 administration fee to secure your reservation date. The date cannot be booked without payment. The administration fee is non-refundable. Do you accept payments upon arrival? When is the final payment due?
NO, we do not accept payment on arrival. The entire payment and total number of participants are due 6 (six) weeks before your visit. The Space Foundation reserves the right to cancel any reservation if final payment is not received within 6 (six) weeks prior to visit. What is the cancellation policy?
No refunds will be issued after 4 weeks prior to your visit. Food, staff, and materials are determined based on the number of participants given 4 weeks before your visit. For this reason, refunding partial or full payment is not possible. Do you provide an invitation letter for student and adult visa requests?
The Space Foundation can provide a Visa letter upon request for all international visitors. Visa Invitation letters will only be issued after the administration fee and registration forms have been completed. The letter will be sent to the group coordinator. The Space Foundation will not send the letter to the Embassy or Consulate. Does the $300 administrative fee go towards our overall payment for the program?
No. This fee is for securing your reservation and covers all costs associated in the processing of your Space Foundation event including, but not limited to, off-site preparation and account management.
TownePlace Suites Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods
1.1 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: kitchen, free high-speed internet, free breakfast, pet friendly Visit Website
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods
2.3 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: free wifi, free breakfast, outdoor pool, laundry facility, pet friendly Visit Website
Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods
1.9 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center Visit Website
Colorado Springs Marriott
3.5 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: fitness center, pool, free high-speed internet, pet friendly Visit Website
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods
2 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: free internet, free breakfast for members, pool, restaurant on-site, pet friendly Visit Website
Explore Mars Experience
Be a part of the future of space exploration
Ever dreamed of being an astronaut? Have you wondered what it takes to travel and live on Mars?
Come behind the scenes with the Explore Mars Experience, the ultimate educational experience, and get a taste of space exploration! Explore Mars Experience is a challenging multi-day program offered year-round to individuals and groups. The program promotes teamwork, problem-solving, communication and engineering solutions to space-related situations. It is designed to develop and improve critical thinking skills, fiscal responsibility, creativity and the drive to be successful.
Will you make the cut? There is only one way to know. Space is limited, so sign up today.
Aerodynamic Basics
Explore Martian Terrain
Establish Human Habitat
Program Activities
High school students (grades 9–12) will learn to use teamwork, experimental learning and 21st-century skills to successfully plan and execute a mission to Mars, overcoming the many challenges that could potentially arise. Participants will learn the aerodynamic basics that govern launch vehicle flight, and how to prepare the resources necessary to endure a lengthy mission to the red planet. They’ll also explore the geological significance of the Martian terrain and determine potential sites to establish the first human habitant. Preparing to be future Mars explorers, they’ll complete a variety of tasks on a simulated Martian surface, and design a vehicle that ensures their safe return voyage to Earth.
Registration
To register for Explore Mars Experience or to find out more, email us at [email protected] Please see our Frequently Asked Questions below for more details.Program Details
AvailabilityExplore Mars Experience programs are available during select weeks throughout the year. Please email us at [email protected] for available weeks.
Age and Group Size Requirements
- Participants must be between the ages of 15-18
- If the participant is 14 and turning 15, they may attend with the understanding that the material is designed for high school, age-appropriate learning
- At least 10 participants are required for a group to participate. Registrations are only available on select dates to ensure that there are the minimum number of students to book the program
- Individuals interested in the program may be added to a group if desired dates match
Students/Chaperones – $1159.95
Payment Information
- Payment Types and Requirements
- Please follow the Launchsquid registration system instructions for payment
- Group Registration and Administration Fee – $300
- This program requires a $300 non-refundable administration fee to make and secure your reservation and the date. The date cannot be booked without payment with full and final payment required six (6) weeks prior to your event date
- Final Payment
- Final payment and final number of participants are due six (6) weeks prior to the day of visit. The Space Foundation reserves the right to cancel any reservation if final payment is not received six (6) weeks prior to the day of visit.
- Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds will be within six (6) weeks of your visit due to staff scheduling, food preparation and material purchasing. For this reason, refunding partial or full payment is not possible.
- Cancellation of your visit must be received in writing, six (6) weeks prior to the date of visit.
- The Space Foundation reserves the right to cancel prior to the event due to low enrollment. Final cancellations for this reason will be determined six (6) weeks or more from the scheduled date.
Transportation
- Transportation from any airport to the hotel is the responsibility of the participant, as is transportation from the hotel to the Space Foundation. Transportation will be needed for participation in off-site activities; transportation is the responsibility of the group for all off-site activities
- Groups should meet with the Program Coordinator at 9 a.m. each day at the front of The Space Foundation for check-in and instructions
What to Bring
- Pack enough clothing for the duration of your trip. Colorado Springs is at an altitude of around 5000 feet and is usually cooler with lower humidity. It is recommended to bring layers, including a sweatshirt and a jacket.
- – Other items to consider:
- Cameras are welcome
- Participants may want some form of entertainment for the evenings at the hotel Don’t forget to bring a charger for phone or game
- Most hotels have Wi-Fi access
- Students may also want to bring cash for incidentals, evening meals, and souvenirs
Food
- Lunch will be provided on-site for participants each day of the program
- Breakfast, snacks, and dinner are the responsibility of the participant
Weather
- The safety of all participants and staff is very important.
- If inclement weather is forecasted and The Space Foundation is asked to close, we will notify all participants. If a participant cannot get to The Space Foundation due to the weather, please call and notify your Education contact.
- Activity dates will be moved or canceled if inclement weather occurs.
The Space Foundation can provide a Visa letter upon request for all international visitors. Visa Invitation letters will only be issued after the administration fee and registration forms have been completed. The letter will be sent to the group coordinator. The Space Foundation will not send the letter to the Embassy or Consulate.
For more information, please read the Frequently Asked Questions section below
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students can I bring to Explore Mars Experience?The program has a maximum of 50 students. Please send inquiries to [email protected] What are the age requirements for Explore Mars Experience?
To participate in the program, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18. If the participant is 14 and turning 15, they may attend with the understanding that the material is designed for high school, age-appropriate learning. The Space Foundation reserves the right to deny students that do not meet the age requirements for the program they are registered for. How many adults/chaperones must we bring with the group?
A ratio of 1:10 adults to students is required. Chaperones are required to fill out separate registration form. Do chaperones and tour company representatives need to pay?
Yes, chaperones are required to pay the same registration fee as participants. Chaperones will be provided the same activities and lunches as participants, and will be granted admission to the Space Foundation Discovery Center for the week of the program. What role do the chaperones have with the group while at the Space Foundation?
The chaperones are to support the instructors and we want your participation! This is especially true in the case of language barriers. We want to give the most exciting experience possible to your students. Teamwork between chaperones and instructors helps to make this possible. There must always be at least 1 chaperone / adult present while class is in session with access to both the Medical and Image Release Forms of every student at all times. Does the Space Foundation have dormitories or lodging for the students?
At this time, we have no dormitories for the students or chaperones/adults. Lodging will be the responsibility of the group. Suggested hotels are listed below. Does the Explore Mars Experience program offer transportation?
Transportation from any airport to the hotel is the responsibility of the participant, as is transportation from the hotel to the Space Foundation. Transportation will be needed for participation in off-site activities; transportation is the responsibility of the group for all off-site activities Is there a fee required for booking a reservation?
Yes, we require a $300 administration fee to secure your reservation date. The date cannot be booked without payment. The administration fee is non-refundable. Do you accept payments upon arrival? When is the final payment due?
NO, we do not accept payment on arrival. The entire payment and total number of participants are due 6 (six) weeks before your visit. The Space Foundation reserves the right to cancel any reservation if final payment is not received within 6 (six) weeks prior to visit. What is the cancellation policy?
No refunds will be issued after 4 weeks prior to your visit. Food, staff, and materials are determined based on the number of participants given 4 weeks before your visit. For this reason, refunding partial or full payment is not possible. Do you provide an invitation letter for student and adult visa requests?
The Space Foundation can provide a Visa letter upon request for all international visitors. Visa Invitation letters will only be issued after the administration fee and registration forms have been completed. The letter will be sent to the group coordinator. The Space Foundation will not send the letter to the Embassy or Consulate. Does the $300 administrative fee go towards our overall payment for the program?
No. This fee is for securing your reservation and covers all costs associated in the processing of your Space Foundation event including, but not limited to, off-site preparation and account management.
Explore Mars Experience Hotel Options
TownePlace Suites Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods1.1 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: kitchen, free high-speed internet, free breakfast, pet friendly Visit Website
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods2.3 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: free wifi, free breakfast, outdoor pool, laundry facility, pet friendly Visit Website
Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods1.9 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center Visit Website
Colorado Springs Marriott3.5 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: fitness center, pool, free high-speed internet, pet friendly Visit Website
Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods2 miles from the Space Foundation
Key amenities: free internet, free breakfast for members, pool, restaurant on-site, pet friendly Visit Website