Planning a field trip or group activity? How about going to another planet? At HMNS, you can go on a simulated mission to space!
Missions are designed for:
- Youth Programs
- School Fieldtrips
- Special Group events
2 Locations available:
- HMNS at Hermann Park
- George Observatory
For more information, call 713-639-4727 or email expedition@hmns.org
| Option Name | Grade | Special Characteristics | Length | Fee* | Number of Participants |
| Junior Expedition | Grades 1 – 3 Ages 6 -8 |
Participants act only as astronauts, one adult required per 2 children to help with reading. Moon landing. | 1.5 hours | $185 | 22 students, 1 adult per 2 astronauts required |
| Mini Mars Expedition | Grades 4 – 8
Ages 9 – 13 |
Participants act only as astronauts. Mars landing. | 1 hour | $160 | Maximum of 22 astronauts |
| Mini Moon Expedition | Grades 4 – 8
Ages 9 – 13 |
Participants act only as astronauts. Moon landing. | 1 hour | $160 | Maximum of 22 astronauts |
| Advanced Mini Expedition | 7 – 12 | Harder tasks. Participants act only as astronauts. Mars landing. | 1 hour | $160 | 12 – 20 students |
| Advanced Full Expedition | 8 – 12 | Harder tasks. Participants act as both astronauts and mission controllers. Landings on Moon and Mars. | 2 hours | $280 | 24 – 40 students |
Mission Scenario:
The expedition has been named Operation: LEAPFROG – Lunar Exchange And Preparation For Research On-Going, and has two phases.
- Phase one:
The New Tranquility Base colonists must act as Mission Control to bring their replacements from Earth orbit safely onto the Moon. Once they arrive, the replacements will take over Mission Control in New Tranquility Base. - Phase two:
Expedition controllers and astronauts will leave the Moon and travel to Mars. The expedition is completed with a successful landing on Chryse Planitia, the Golden Plains of Mars.
Along the way, astronauts must complete experiments and make sure the ship is functioning properly, while expedition controllers track information, do research and ensure the safety of the crew. The success of the expedition relies on responsibility, teamwork, communications, and good decision-making.
A Full expedition consists of both a Moon and Mars landing with mission controllers and astronauts. Junior and Mini Expedition only do half of Operation: LEAPFROG with a Moon or Mars landing.
