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The U.S. Space Camp© at the
U.S. Space & Rocket
Center in Huntsville, Alabama was inspired by Wernher
von Braun's suggestion that there should be summer camps
to promote science just as there are for sports. Begun
in 1982, the yearly attendance has grown from several
hundred to over 12000.
The main technique is to immerse students into
a space training experience.
The students use simulators to train just as astronauts
do. The simulators include physical trainers to simulate
low gravity for example.
Mission simulations include shuttle cabin and mission
control simulators. As they carry out a space mission
with various crisis and emergencies, the students not
only learn the technical aspects of shuttle missions,
but also how to work in a group to solve problems.
Over the years it has grown into a major operation
with thousands of both young people and adults participating.
There are now Space Camp operations in Florida and California
as well.
Other versions of spacecamping are also now offered
in the US and
around the world.
Also, related types of space immersion and simulation
programs are available.
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