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Several MSEC campers are gathered in front of Exploratory Hall. They are throwing colorful paper airplanes around the camera.
George Mason University

Mason Space Exploration Center

Mason Space Exploration Center

Description
Contact us for any questions or concerns.
Phone Number
404-840-8361
Address

Attn: Mason Space Center
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
4400 UNIVERSITY DR STOP 3F3
PLANETARY HALL 243
FAIRFAX, VA 22030-4444 US

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.*

Many students are gathered the Geller Telscope. It is a sunny day as seen through the gap in the dome.

MSEC Summer Camp 2025

A week-long adventure filled with space exploration, STEM challenges, and unforgettable learning experiences. Registration is now open for summer 2025.

A happy camper designs an experimental glider.

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.

Observatory Director Peter Plavchan

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.

Dr Rob Parks in front of Mason Observatories

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.

Large man wearing winter clothes in front of a river and bridge. He is giving a thumbs up.
Several campers gather around a high-end computer in our Mission Control. They are having a lot of fun with math, it seems..

Several campers are gathered around a high-end computer in the LANDOLT Mission Control Center. Our explorers use campus facilities to perform advanced calculations and use real-world hard skills like Microsoft Office Suite and C++.

A camper's virtual rocket has catastrophically failed on the launchpad. Next time, he will point the rocket up instead of down.

An explorer's first attempt a virtual rocket is not always their most successful -- so were NASA's first attempts at space travel. In rocket science, failure is a part of the standard developmental process (even explosively so).

A camper shows of their water rocket. Flight Director Apoorva is seen in the background happily aproving.

Campers constructed (and decorated!) water bottle rockets for launch. We partially used reused and recycled construction materials.

Flight Director Apoorva and a camper successfully launch a water rocket. It appears Apoorva is getting a faceful of rocket exhaust!

Campers launched their water rockets on the Observatory grounds. They additionally performed data analysis on their results to determine the relation between launch pressure and maximum height. Getting sprayed is a small price to pay for the experimental data.

A camper presents their construction of an LED transmitter using their Inventr.IO "30 Days Lost in Space" Arduino Kit.

Campers use the "30 Days Lost in Space" Arduino Kit by Inventr.IO. Registration for the online course can be done for free through Inventr's site.

A camper looks through the Solar Telescope at the Sun. It was very hot that day, and a bit unnerving to see the source of that heat magnified so much!

Two campers use the Solar Telescope to safely observe the Sun. Here, their project is to track the movement of sunspots.

Two campers high five after a successful mission for the day.

A resounding success for our mission specialists' rocket launch!

A Counselor and Camper are observing the Sun to spot the spots causing the recent aurora sightings. The camper has turned to the camera with a surpised look.
A camper and counselor use the virtual planetarium software together.
Two campers collaborate on the depiction of Mercury for the Solar System Walk.
Ian talks about different gasses displayed in tubes.
A crew member has fun spinning around with a tire while two other people watch.
Ian explains why the wheel spins the person on a spinning stool.
Ian explains why the wheel spins the person on a spinning stool, as seen from a different angle.
A crew member holds a lamp, while two students hold styrofoam balls on sticks to recreate the positions of the phases of the moon.

Thank you to our team and sponsorships

We would like to thank the following or staff for their hard work in this season's 2024 Space Education Summer Camp:

Our continued partners at Northern Virginia Magazine. Thank you for your nomination of our space education camp, and for continuing to spread the word about us to the families of NoVA!


We would like to thank the following staff for their hard work for the season of Space Education 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!

And last but certainly not least, the Flight Director Crew! None of this would have been possible without your efforts.


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

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.