The Houston Association for Space and Science Education (HASSE) was founded by James Liu in Houston in 2005. HASSE creates decision environments that connect students with the people, places, and projects shaping space, science, and innovation.
For more than two decades, HASSE has worked with students and educators from 20+ countries. Alumni include SpaceX rocket engineers, JAXA space engineers, Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs, and researchers at Cambridge, Berkeley, and the University of Tokyo.
HASSE also hosts the World Space Vision & AI Challenge, where student teams apply AI and cross-disciplinary thinking to real space challenges.
The work connects young operators with real decisions, real constraints, and the people who operate inside Houston’s space ecosystem.
Space Center Houston and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center are HASSE’s named partners. HASSE also works across Houston’s wider space ecosystem.
Activities take place across space organizations, universities, and companies, including Space Center Houston, with visits to NASA Johnson Space Center.
HASSE uses the IGNIS Framework, its proprietary operating doctrine in active development, to connect purpose, iteration, and integration. In HSS, AI supports space-industry analysis and lunar or Mars base-concept work. HASSE’s approach keeps human judgment responsible for the final decision.
Embedded in Houston’s space ecosystem since 2005, HASSE connects students and educators with the people, places, and projects shaping the future of space, science, and innovation.
Connect students with role models in STEM fields.
Promote STEM in tangible and real-life oriented ways.
Promote fun ways to explore STEM interests through all our programs.
HASSE builds 21st century skills that instill passion and knowledge, increase awareness of global connectedness, and develop interdisciplinary abilities students carry into any field.
Students work across Houston’s space ecosystem through mission simulations, rover design, rocket activities, and visits to NASA Johnson Space Center. They speak with working scientists and engineers.
HASSE brings astronauts, scientists, engineers, and space-industry practitioners into the decision environment. Students can test their questions against people who have done the work.
Students take assigned roles in simulated space missions and work as a team to complete mission tasks. The activity makes communication, coordination, and decision ownership visible.
Students take part in a mission simulation and work through decisions within defined roles and constraints.
HSS students develop lunar or Mars base concepts and engage with space-industry professionals.
“As a former NASA astronaut and International Space Station Commander, I have had the privilege of venturing where many dream but few have gone before me. I am honored to share my experiences and encourage today’s students – the future leaders and innovators – to pursue their dreams and ‘reach for the stars’ as well.
An empowering, highly experiential program focused on leadership and personal development, all grounded in STEM. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from NASA experts right at NASA facilities. They acquire essential skills such as leadership through influence, setting and achieving goals, developing initiative, nurturing curiosity, and imagination, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, all in the same inspiring environment where I received my space training.
HASSE students engage with astronauts, scientists, and engineers, participating in hands-on missions and simulations. They return better prepared for life as critical thinkers, leaders, innovators, and collaborators, ready to face the world beyond the school gates.
Former NASA astronaut, International Space Station Commander
