11 September 2026 - 9 days for £6,295 per person
Register your interest for 2027 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.
Take off on a quest through the past, present and future of space exploration across the US. From the first pioneering rockets to iconic missions, space stations and the emerging commercial space tourism industry, this tour takes you behind the scenes of the US’s most famous space centres and museums.
Journey across the USA on an exploration of astronomy, space science and human spaceflight, from the launch pads of Florida's Space Coast to the vast dark skies of New Mexico. Visit NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center, stand beneath the mighty Saturn V rocket, explore Mission Control and discover the technologies shaping future missions to the Moon and Mars. Along the way, enjoy stargazing experiences at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, the George Observatory and beneath New Mexico's pristine desert skies, before visiting world-leading facilities including the Very Large Array radio observatory and Spaceport America.
Travel with New ¾«¶«´«Ã½’s Chelsea Whyte on this extraordinary journey, offering a uniquely immersive experience. Blending science, history and culture, the trip is enriched throughout by Chelsea’s expert insight. Her engaging talks bring the United States’ pioneering role in space exploration vividly to life, revealing the stories, breakthroughs and landmark missions that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos - while your local Tour Leader adds on-the-ground context and cultural depth at every step.
Designed for curious minds with a passion for space and discovery, this journey offers exceptional access to iconic US space facilities, immersive planetarium and observatory experiences, and expert-led discussions that bring the science and stories of space exploration to life. With stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the continental US, it’s ideal for those who want to go beyond learning about the universe and experience it firsthand.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
Day 1: Arrive in Orlando and meet the group
Arrive in Orlando and settle into your hotel.
Orlando, often celebrated as the theme park capital of the world, is one of the most vibrant cities in the US. Beyond its iconic attractions, the city offers lush parks, scenic lakes and a thriving arts and dining scene. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby natural preserves, historic towns and unique science and space experiences.
In the evening, enjoy an introductory briefing on the week ahead, with an overview of the USA’s history in space exploration and its role in astronomy. Optional evening visit to Robinson Observatory for a first look at the night sky.
Day 2: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Apollo/Saturn V Center
Today you will spend a full day at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Begin beneath the awe-inspiring Saturn V rocket, the engineering powerhouse that launched Apollo astronauts to the moon, and explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where the story of the US’s lunar missions comes alive through historic artefacts, full-scale spacecraft and immersive exhibits. Engage with the interactive displays covering Mars exploration, planetary science and the Artemis programme, and learn how today’s missions are shaping the future of space exploration.
Day 3: Orlando Science Center, Crosby Observatory and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Begin your day with a morning visit to the Orlando Science Center, where the planetarium and astronomy-focused exhibits offer a captivating introduction to the cosmos. Explore the latest discoveries in exoplanet research, learn how modern telescopes unlock the secrets of distant worlds and delve into cutting-edge space observation technology used by astronomers today. Engage with interactive displays that demonstrate how scientists detect and study planets beyond our solar system, and deepen your understanding of the tools and techniques that make modern astronomy possible.
Whilst here, you will also visit the Crosby Observatory, home to Florida’s largest public refractor telescope. This observatory offers a unique blend of cutting-edge astronomy and hands-on stargazing, creating a bridge between humanity’s early steps into space and the discoveries shaping its future.
In the afternoon, visit Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida’s first certified Dark Sky Park. With its vast open prairies and minimal light pollution, the park provides an unparalleled view of the Milky Way, distant galaxies and celestial phenomena that are often invisible from urban areas.
Day 4: Fly to Houston
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Houston, Texas, the vibrant heart of space exploration and home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Known as "Space City", Houston blends a rich cultural scene with scientific innovation, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both urban life and the world of space science.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Johnson Space Center
Spend a full day exploring Houston’s iconic Johnson Space Center, a hub of US spaceflight and the operational heart of human space exploration. Begin with an in-depth tour of Mission Control, where historic decisions guided astronauts through groundbreaking missions, and learn how this nerve centre continues to monitor and support current space operations. Visit the astronaut training facilities, where you can see firsthand the simulations and exercises that prepare crews for the challenges of space, from microgravity adaptation to emergency protocols. Explore life-size space station mock-ups, interactive satellite technology exhibits and hands-on demonstrations that reveal the complexities of orbital operations, spacecraft systems and Earth observation technologies. Engage with cutting-edge displays illustrating the development of spacecraft, robotics and satellite networks critical to both scientific discovery and daily life on Earth.
Day 6: Space Center Houston and George Observatory
Start your day with a morning visit to Space Center Houston, a museum where interactive exhibits offer an engaging deep dive into the technologies that make space exploration possible. Explore detailed displays on satellites, space probes and robotic missions, learning how these marvels of engineering gather data from across the solar system and beyond. Gain insight into the history of spaceflight as well as the cutting-edge technologies that drive contemporary research, including autonomous spacecraft, planetary rovers and Earth-observing satellites.
In the afternoon, visit the George Observatory, located in the scenic Brazos Bend State Park just outside Houston. Here, under the guidance of experienced astronomers, visitors can use powerful telescopes to observe planets, star clusters, nebulae and the moon in striking detail. The dark-sky location provides ideal conditions for stargazing.
Enjoy an evening stargazing session led by an astronomy expert.
Day 7: Fly to Albuquerque and visit the Very Large Array
Take a short flight from Houston to Albuquerque, New Mexico, which sits at the edge of the high desert, offering clear skies and low light pollution. The city is home to the National Solar Observatory’s Sunspot site nearby and hosts numerous stargazing events, planetarium programmes and science centres. Its unique combination of high elevation and dark skies allows visitors to explore the wonders of the Milky Way, planets and distant galaxies.
You will be transferred from the airport to the Very Large Array (VLA), one of the world’s foremost radio astronomy observatories. Walk among the 27 towering radio antennas and learn how these instruments work together to map distant galaxies, detect pulsars and search for signals that could indicate extraterrestrial life. Expert guides will explain the principles of radio astronomy, the history of the VLA and the ongoing research that continues to expand our understanding of the universe.
As night falls, experience stargazing in this pristine desert environment. Using telescopes guided by experienced instructors, observe planets, star clusters and distant galaxies, and learn to navigate the night sky while gaining insight into the astronomical phenomena visible in this exceptional dark-sky location.
Day 8: Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America
Visit Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, and gain a glimpse into the future of private space travel. Explore the facilities where spacecraft are prepared for suborbital flights, learn about the engineering and science behind high-speed space travel and discover how commercial space tourism is transforming humanity’s access to the cosmos.
In the evening, take advantage of the region’s exceptionally dark desert skies for an optional stargazing session. Using high-powered telescopes and guided instruction, observe planets, nebulae and distant galaxies, while reflecting on both the frontiers of human spaceflight and the mysteries of the cosmos.
Day 9: White Sands National Monument and afternoon departure
In the morning, visit the White Sands National Monument followed with a visit to The Museum of Space History in Alamogordo. Afterwards drive to Albuquerque where the tour comes to an end late afternoon. Here you can all reflect on an unforgettable journey through the history, science, and future of space exploration in the USA.
Please note: Please appreciate that the nature of this type of travel requires flexibility and you should allow for alternatives. While our partners Intrepid Travel will endeavour to operate the tour as described they reserve the right to change the trip itinerary, which may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events. Despite all the best planning in the world, things can go astray, but Intrepid’s highly trained and resourceful tour leaders are skilled at managing changing circumstances while on tour.
