Original Star Trek star Nichelle Nichols spent the 1970s as an ambassador for NASA’s space program, advocating for the agency’s exploration efforts and helping to encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to join the United States’ space program — and now, nearly three years after her passing, another space program is about to debut in her honor.
 

 
Next January, the new Nichelle Nichols Space Camp will be partnering with the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama — home to Space Camp since 1982 — to debut a three-day program honoring Nichols’ legacy and bringing together longstanding astronaut training experiences with modern-day space topics through a Star Trek lens.
 
Here are a few selections from the program’s official announcement:

The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is a tribute to Nichelle’s vision—empowering future generations to shape a world that reflects Star Trek’s ideals, embracing diversity, kindness, and peace. Rooted in the philosophy of “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations” (IDIC), this initiative fosters a culture of inclusion and exploration. Guided by the inspiring legacy of Nichelle, the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is dedicated to transforming young women’s lives by creating pathways for education and careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

 

The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp — where the spirit of Star Trek’s Starfleet Academy comes to life — is proud to partner with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Since its launch in 1982, this globally recognized program has fueled the dreams of future explorers for over 30 years, mirroring NASA astronauts’ intensive training with an emphasis on teamwork and leadership. Students will collaborate to tackle mission scenarios requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork — skills essential for 21st-century careers.

 

Young minds from all 50 U.S. states, territories, and over 150 countries will come together, reflecting the diverse and inclusive spirit of the United Federation of Planets. With programs in space, aviation, and robotics for girls aged 14 to 18, this camp nurtures the next generation of pioneers. The dates are locked in for January 17-19, 2026, for the first class of future space explorers to experience the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp.

 
Some of the fascinating Space Camp activities include:

• First Contact Mission: Step into the shoes of Uhura and initiate communication with a newly discovered species, sharing a message of peace and friendship.
• Occupy Mars: Imagine life on Mars! Explore the challenges of interplanetary living and discuss what it might take to establish a new civilization—and who could be the first Martian-born human. The reality of life on Mars may be sooner than we think. We would be the first Martians!
• IDIC Class: Learn about Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, the core of Vulcan philosophy, and how it applies to our universe.
• Low Ropes Course: Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through engaging challenges.
• Rocket Launch: Design, build, and launch your own model rocket.
• Spacesuit Component Testing: Examine the evolution of spacesuits and test materials for future designs.
• CubeSats: Explore CubeSat technology and design your own origami satellite model.
• Additive Manufacturing: Discover 3D printing and its role in space technology.
• Heat Shield Design Challenge: Build and test a heat shield capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
• Simulations like the Multi-Axis Trainer (MAT), where campers experience the disorientation of an uncontrolled tumble spin, and a 1/6th Gravity Chair which simulates lunar gravity and practice moonwalk movements.

The organization also announced that Star Trek: Prodigy voice actor Bonnie Gordon will serve as the Space Camp “cadet coordinator and chaperone” for the event.

More information on the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp program can be found at the Nichelle Nichols Foundation’s official website, and you can learn more about the US Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp experience at their site.