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Mason Space Exploration Center
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Attn: Mason Space Center
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
4400 UNIVERSITY DR STOP 3F3
PLANETARY HALL 243
FAIRFAX, VA 22030-4444 US
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Section Navigation: Mason Space Exploration Center
Welcome to the Mason Space Exploration Center!
Founded in 2023, the Mason Space Exploration Center is a premier organization in Northern Virginia dedicated to providing immersive and educational space experiences for families. As a proud partner of George Mason University Observatories and the Department of Physics & Astronomy, we offer hands-on STEM activities that inspire the next generation of space explorers.
For more details and registration, please visit our program pages linked below. If you have any questions, our contact information is located on the sidebar to the left. We look forward to meeting you and your future space adventurers soon.
MSEC 2025 Summer Camp
A week-long adventure filled with space exploration, STEM challenges, and unforgettable learning experiences.
If you would like to be added to the Summer 2025 Waitlist, use the TouchNet portal. We will contact you when registration begins.
MSEC Solar Saturdays
Dive into space science with observatory tours, solar telescope sessions, and hands-on activities like creating a scale model of the Solar System.
Register today for an out-of-this-world experience!
Campers face STEM challenges and develop innovative solutions to solve them
Thank You to Our Team and Sponsorships
We would like to thank the following staff for their hard work in this season's 2024 Space Summer Camp:
Ian Helm, Educational Program Manager
Center Marketing and Communications: Natasha Gilliam, Laura Powers, Zander Leon, and Tracy Mason
Center Development: Audrey Kelaher and team
A very special thank you to our friends at Inventr.io. This camp could not run without your generosity!
We'd also like to thank the following organizations and staff for helping "launch" the first 2023 Space Summer Camp:
Kevin Collins, Lead Flight Director
Center Marketing and Communications: Natasha Gilliam, Laura Powers, Zander Leon, and Tracy Mason
Center Development: Audrey Kelaher and team
Camp Leadership
Executive DirectorAssociate Professor of Physics & Astronomy, George Mason Observatories Director
Peter Plavchan's research is supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation to study the formation and frequency of exoplanets, planets that orbit other stars. He has led the development of several NASA mission concepts.
Center Director for OutreachAssistant Professor of Physics & Astronomy, Director of Mason Observatories
Howdy! Rob Parks knew he wanted to become an astronomer in the 7th grade after reading about Dr. Vera Rubin's discovery of dark matter. While his specific interests within astronomy have changed over the years, his passion for learning what lies beyond our night sky never has.
Outreach Coordinator
Ian Helm is a proud George Mason University alum (BA Astronomy '23). He has had a lifelong interest in astronomy, and put his passion to work as part of Peter Plavchan's exoplanet research group. Ian also served as an Observatory Tour Guide for two years, participating in scientific outreach events across the local area, and previously served as a camp counselor for the Virginia Space Flight Academy on Wallops Island, Virginia. Large and in charge, Ian is coordinates the flight directors and camp curriculum to ensure a successful season.