NASA Space Experience Program enables students to take p

About the Program

NASA Space Experience Program enables students to take part in an integrated educational experience in space science and technology. It combines academic and practical preparation through the Space Science and Technology Program delivered in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with the Saudi Space Agency’s Space Academy, followed by an international experience at Kennedy Space Center in the United States.

Designed for high school students, the program develops their knowledge and skills in space and future sciences by connecting theoretical learning with practical application and specialized scientific experiences. Students will directly engage with astronauts and leading experts in the United States, gaining first-hand insights into the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while exploring the academic and career pathways shaping the future of the space sector.

Program Language:
English.

Program Objectives

1 Enable students to participate in an advanced scientific and hands-on experience in space science and technology fields.
2 Develop innovation, scientific exploration, and experimental thinking.
3 Strengthen personal skills through teamwork, addressing challenges, and decision-making.
4 Introduce students to fields, specializations, and career pathways related to the space sector.
5 Provide hands-on experience through learning from and interacting directly with experts.
6 Prepare students to participate in international scientific programs and experiences.

Target Audience

Mawhiba Students

The program is intended for Saudi students in Grades 11 and 12 who are classified by Mawhiba within either of the following categories:

• Exceptionally Gifted in Sciences.
• Exceptionally Gifted in Research.

Applicants must also meet all program and application requirements listed on the registration page.

Non-Mawhiba Students

Saudi students in Grades 11 and 12 who are not classified within Mawhiba’s student categories may apply if they meet the program’s eligibility and criteria.

Applicants must also meet all program and application requirements listed on the registration page.

Pre-Travel Orientation

Before embarking on the international experience, students take part in a preparatory program designed to build their foundational knowledge of space science, introduce them to the sector’s career pathways, and equip them for the activities and experiences awaiting them at Kennedy Space Center. The pre-travel orientation materials also include live online sessions to prepare students for the program.

Key Takeaways

1 An understanding of opportunities and fields within the space sector.
2 Hands-on experience in a specialized learning environment.
3 Interaction with Saudi astronauts and international experts.
4 Develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
5 A clearer view of future study and career pathways in science, engineering, technology, and related fields.

Registration Dates

Registration opens: October 18 2026.
Registration closes: October 29 2026.

Program Participation Requirements

Before Registration and Payment
· Review and sign the Program Participation Rules document.
· Upload the required travel documents for the United States, including:
1. A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the program end date.
2. A valid U.S. tourist visa that expires no earlier than six months after the program end date.

After Registration and Payment
· Complete the student’s personal and health information form.
· Obtain international travel medical insurance that covers the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

Mawhiba Students:

Currently enrolled in Grade 11 or Grade 12.
Hold Saudi nationality.
A score of 1500 or above on Mawhiba Multiple Cognitive Aptitude Test, taken in either Arabic or English.
If the test was taken in Arabic, a minimum score in one of the following English-language tests:

Duolingo	TOEIC	TOEFL iBT	IELTS	STEP
100	650	57	5.5	80

A valid U.S. visitor visa that expires no earlier than six months after the program end date

Non-Mawhiba Students:
Currently enrolled in Grade 11 or Grade 12.
Hold Saudi nationality.
Not classified under any of Mawhiba's student categories.
A minimum score in one of the following English-language tests:

Duolingo	TOEIC	TOEFL iBT	IELTS	STEP
100	650	57	5.5	80

A valid U.S. visitor visa that expires no earlier than six months after the program end date.

A minimum grade of 90% in each of Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science in Grade 9 and 10. This requirement will be used to prioritize applicants if seats are limited.

Program Fee

Mawhiba students: SAR 7,475, inclusive of VAT.
Non-Mawhiba students: SAR 23,000, inclusive of VAT.

Student Journey: NASA Space Experience

Stage One | Preparation in Saudi Arabia

This preparatory stage introduces students to the Space Science and Technology Program delivered in collaboration with the Saudi Space Agency’s Space Academy.

Duration: 3 days
Attendance Format: Days 1 and 2 online; Day 3 in person in Riyadh.

Stage One prepares students academically and practically for the international experience through specialized content in space science and technology, progressing from an introduction to the sector and the fundamentals of space science to applications related to satellites and space missions.

Preparatory Program

Day 1 | Introduction to Space
· Introduction to the space sector.
· Fundamentals of space science, including astrophysics and astronomy.
· Introduction to space specializations and career pathways.

Day 2 | From Satellites to Mission Design
· Satellite design, engineering, and integration.
· Space mission design.

Day 3 | Experimental Learning and Interaction with Astronauts
· Team-based scientific and engineering challenges.
· An interactive session with Saudi astronauts.
Students apply what they learned during the first two days by working as groups on scientific and engineering problems related to a space mission, discussing solutions, and presenting their work. They also take part in an interactive session with Saudi astronauts about training and mission preparation, teamwork, managing challenges, decision-making, and academic and professional pathways.

Stage Two | NASA Space Experience
This stage expands students’ understanding of the space sector through a visit to Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States.

Dates: 23–27 November 2026.
Attendance Format: In person.

This experience includes educational visits, simulations and training activities, meetings with astronauts, and team activities designed to strengthen problem-solving and collaboration skills, while introducing students to career pathways related to space missions.

Kennedy Space Center Visit Activities

Space Science and Exploration
· Learn about the history of space exploration.
· Explore the Apollo program, the Space Shuttle era, and the Artemis program.
· Learn about rocket launches and space missions.

Experiences and Simulations
· Astronaut training experience.
· Mars surface-walk simulation.
· Microgravity environment simulation.
· Rover exploration simulation.
· Team challenges that develop problem-solving and collaboration.

Meetings
· In-person meetings with astronauts.
· Sessions with specialists at Kennedy Space Center.
· Learn about the experiences and career paths of professionals working in the space sector.

Career and future Opportunities
· Understand how diverse scientific disciplines contribute to space missions.
· Explore academic and professional pathways related to the space sector.
· Prepare for future academic and career opportunities through real-world simulations.

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