HASSE
The Houston Association for Space and Science Education (HASSE) is a highly respected 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering future generations in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on space exploration. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, HASSE has been providing educational resources, programs, and hands-on experiences to students and teachers from around the world since 2004.
Space School
21st Century Skills
HASSE cultivates students with 21st century skills than instill passion, skills and knowledge, increases their awareness of global connectedness, and develops their interdisciplinary and transferable.
NASA as the classroom
Students learn at the core of NASA and through simulating projects such as mission to Mars, and they engage in unique and insightful discussions with the best minds of NASA. Students visit the international Space Station module, design the Mars exploration rover, launch rockets, visit the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Mission Control Centers, and much more.
Talk to the best in the field of space exploration
In HASSE Space School, NASA engineers, scientists, and managers are specially invited to give professional and interesting presentations to students. It is through these interactions that students are driven to discover their potential, to dream big, and to reach their goals.
Collaboration and crisis management
Students will be placed in the Mission Control and take part in simulated space missions. They play different roles while working in teams to learn collaboration, crisis management, and teamwork. This helps students to understand the challenges space missions may bring.
Resource management
Students simulate a US$600 million NASA project to practice allocating resources effectively to accomplish their designated missions within a minimal timeframe. Students need to equipped with not only scientific and mechanical skills but also the business mindset to use and to control budgeting.
Makerspace as the Innovation place
Collaborating with private space companies and NASA experts, students simulate establishing a space company. This project requires students first to design, then to work at the makerspace and complete for the Innovation Excellence Awards.
Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao
“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. Now, as a special advisor to the inspirational Houston Association for Space and Science Education (HASSE) International Study Program, 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.
The renowned HASSE Space School
offers the ultimate STEM experience:
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.
Dr. Leroy Chiao
Former NASA astronaut, International Space Station Commander,
and special advisor to the HASSE.