School Science Trip to the Euro Space Center: Belgium

Students are invited to put themselves into the shoes of a simulator pilot, commander and six ground control roles to accomplish a mission of the American Space Shuttle. Teams of eight students will be briefed on real NASA operating procedures and technical aspects of the simulation before all systems go for a simulated space mission! Students will be involved in the operation of take-off, orbiting, docking with the International Space Station, re-entry into the atmosphere and landing.

Learn about the Ariane rocket and the principles of engineering and physics included in the design that create the propulsion and stability of the rocket. Students will be involved in building and launching their own rocket.

Experience being 1/6^th of the weight you are on earth on this astronaut training chair on springs which simulates walking on the moon.

This astronaut training simulator spins on a single axis to re-produce feelings of disorientation and vertigo. Learn about the balance coordination centre and measure your ability to be able to recover.

The goal is to disorientate potential astronauts on this chair mounted to spin on three different axes. They will have to concentrate to carry out an exercise. The multi-axis chair was developed by NASA after the Gemini missions

Test your ability to withstand gravity in this space centrifuge just as astronauts do before leaving on a mission.

Experience the feeling of weightlessness thanks to a frame with a hydraulic counterweight system. Move from left to right to repair a satellite.

Learn about the communication required to repair a satellite as part of the EVA team. Teamwork and communication skills are key to complete your mission.

A Space Camp instructor will provide a commentary to a Planetarium session where students can discover the moon, its phases, learn about the planets in our solar system and the stars. A film is projected on a hemispherical dome 6m in diameter.

Discover Newton’s Law through hands -on experiments. Design and build an air-propelled car with balsawood and an experiment which involves mini-car races.

Discover Mars – the Red Planet on board a spaceship.

Discover the great moments of space exploration and learn about the daily lives of astronauts through a guided multi-media exhibition. See everyday items created with space technology.

How do astronauts cope with weightlessness and living in space? For example: what are the direct and indirect effects on the immune system? Very natural actions here on Earth are discussed using pictures, video clips and audience interaction.

Groups will explore the influence of vacuum in space as well as how to create their own aurora with the aid of a vacuum pump.