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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
10401 York River Rd
Fairfax, VA 22030

Welcome to the Mason Space Exploration Center

Founded in 2023, the Mason Space Exploration Center (MSEC) 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 and 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 2026

A week-long adventure filled with space exploration, STEM challenges, and unforgettable learning experiences. 

A happy camper designs an experimental glider.

The Mason Space Exploration Center has been recognized by several regional publications for its engaging STEM and space science programming. MSEC was featured in the March 2025 issue of Northern Virginia Magazine as one of the region's top summer camps and was also highlighted in the June 2025 issue of Prince William Living. These features showcase the impact of our programs and the unique experiences we provide to young explorers.

Read more:

Whether you're learning about MSEC for the first time or considering joining one of our programs, we're proud to share these stories highlighting the excitement, discovery, and hands-on learning that define the Mason Space Exploration Center.

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.
Two campers collaborate on the depiction of Mercury for the Solar System Walk.
Ian talks about different gasses displayed in tubes.
Ian explains why the wheel spins the person on a spinning stool.
A crew member holds a lamp, while two students hold styrofoam balls on sticks to recreate the positions of the phases of the moon.
Lead Flight Director Gabby explains the launch system to a camper in a Geroge Mason Gold T-shirt.
A group picture of Flight Director Sergio, Mr. Jay, and several campers. Three of the campers are wearing George Mason Gold T-shirts.
Campers are gathered around a glowing window as a College of Engineering graduate student explains what's inside.

* 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.