STRASBOURG, FRANCE — The International Space University (ISU), Rice University, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) are pleased to announce the hosting of the 2024 Space Studies Program (SSP24) in Houston, Texas. The program, scheduled from June 8 to August 3, 2024, will be held at Rice’s historic campus, a location deeply rooted in the annals of space exploration.
The SSP, since its inception in 1988, has consistently provided an expansive curriculum tailored for professionals at various junctures in their space careers. Over an intensive eight-week period, participants immerse in courses across all space disciplines, workshops, and gain firsthand exposure through professional visits. Multidisciplinary projects addressing current and future challenges in the space sector remain a unique highlight of the SSP, ensuring participants garner perspectives that redefine their outlook on global space activities.
“Rice University hosted the ISU SSP with the support of NASA Johnson Space Center in 1997. The return of ISU’s Space Studies program to Houston with the support of the same institutions indicates a strong relationship between our organizations and resonates with the objective to boost the future of space exploration and foster international space cooperation” said ISU President, Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund.
“Rice is privileged to be a partner in pursuits related to space exploration and to be part of a historic collaboration with NASA that supports some of the world’s most important research and educational outreach,” said Rice President Reginald DesRoches. “Hosting the International Space University on Rice’s campus will be a great opportunity to amplify the work that is being done worldwide in the space exploration field and to strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones.”
With Rice and NASA JSC’s combined efforts, participants of the SSP24 can expect enriching tours and hands-on engagements that tap into the depths of space exploration and its future prospects.
Rice’s entwinement with space exploration is legendary. From hosting President John F. Kennedy’s historic 1962 speech where he boldly stated, “We choose to go to the Moon,” to being the first academic institution to lay the foundation for a dedicated Space Science department, to the current work of the Rice Space Institute, Rice’s commitment to space research and exploration is unparalleled.
As preparations for the SSP24 get underway, opportunities for companies to benefit from this program are abundant. Sponsorship opportunities are available, making it an attractive proposition for professionals and organizations keen on broadening their horizons in space education and space-related domains.
With the combined expertise of ISU, Rice, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the SSP24 promises to be a transformative experience, not just for the participants, but for the global space community.