Spacefort 2026 Was Out of This World!
Astronauts Ed Lu and Rusty Schweikart, along with astrophysicist Scott Manley explain the various rockets and vehicles used in space travel to the attendees of Spacefort 2026 presented by the Meteor Crater Education Alliance in Flagstaff, AZ.
If you were anywhere near Flagstaff on June 26, you probably heard the excitement. Families from across Arizona gathered for one unforgettable afternoon as the Meteor Crater Education Alliance transformed Flagstaff into SpaceFort: Asteroid Day Flagstaff—a four-hour celebration of science, space exploration, creativity, and hands-on STEM adventure.
And what a day it was.
From the moment the doors opened, SpaceFort buzzed with energy. Hundreds of children, parents, grandparents, educators, and space enthusiasts explored a world where curiosity had no limits. Whether launching into a rocket activity, peering through a solar telescope, creating space-inspired artwork, or stepping into a simulated mission using Kerbal Space Program, there was something around every corner to inspire the next generation of explorers.
One of the biggest highlights was the incredible opportunity to meet real space pioneers. Astronauts Steve Smith, Ed Lu, Nicole Stott, and Rusty Schweickart spent the day sharing stories from space, answering questions, signing autographs, and encouraging young dreamers to reach for the stars. Astrophysicist and popular science communicator Scott Manley captivated visitors with interactive gaming experiences and engaging conversations that made complex science exciting and accessible.
SpaceFort also showcased an amazing lineup of community partners who helped bring STEM to life. Interactive exhibits from USGS, Arizona State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Willow Bend Educational Center, Coconuts Robotics Team, Northern Arizona University, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory, Loven Contracting, Kinney Construction, and the Boy Scouts of America demonstrated that science, engineering, technology, and exploration come in many forms. From geology and planetary science to engineering, construction, astronomy, and outdoor leadership, every exhibit encouraged visitors to learn by doing.
Families enjoyed planetarium shows, solar observing, hands-on STEM stations, exciting raffles, delicious food trucks, and a science store filled with space-themed toys, gifts, and educational treasures for aspiring astronauts—and even a few furry companions.
More than just a fun family event, SpaceFort was a celebration of imagination and possibility. Children left inspired to become astronauts, engineers, scientists, artists, inventors, and explorers. Parents watched their kids ask questions, solve problems, and discover new passions. Throughout the day, countless moments reminded us why STEM education matters and how powerful it can be when learning is wrapped in excitement and discovery.
For the Meteor Crater Education Alliance, the event exceeded every expectation. The tremendous turnout and overwhelmingly positive response from attendees demonstrated just how much Northern Arizona values opportunities for families to experience science together. Every ticket purchased also helped support the Alliance's ongoing STEM outreach programs for students throughout the Flagstaff community, extending the impact of the day far beyond the event itself.
To everyone who attended, volunteered, exhibited, sponsored, and shared their passion for science—thank you for helping make SpaceFort 2026 such an incredible success. You helped create memories that will inspire future scientists, engineers, artists, and explorers for years to come.
If you missed this year's event, don't make the same mistake twice.
SpaceFort is quickly becoming one of Arizona's premier family STEM celebrations, combining world-class astronauts, hands-on learning, amazing community partners, and unforgettable experiences into one incredible afternoon. Whether you're five or ninety-five, there's something magical about standing next to someone who's walked in space, launching a rocket, discovering an asteroid, or seeing the Sun through a telescope for the very first time.
We can't wait to welcome you back next year.
The countdown to SpaceFort 2027 has officially begun.
Girls 2 Space Summer Program Launches to an Incredible Start
It All Begins Here
The excitement is palpable as the Meteor Crater Education Alliance's Girls 2 Space Summer Program is officially underway—and already proving to be a tremendous success.
This summer, girls from middle schools across Arizona have come together to explore the limitless possibilities that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can offer. Through hands-on activities, engaging challenges, mentorship opportunities, and inspiring discussions with professionals in STEM fields, participants are discovering how their interests and talents can lead to exciting futures in science and engineering.
The Girls 2 Space program is designed to help young women build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and see themselves as future innovators, explorers, engineers, and leaders. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to dream big, ask questions, solve problems, and imagine the impact they can make on the world.
"We are thrilled to see so many enthusiastic young women embracing opportunities to learn, create, and explore," said Executive Director Tony Pelaez. "Their curiosity, creativity, and determination remind us why programs like Girls 2 Space are so important."
The success of this program would not be possible without the generous support of our community partners and donors. The Meteor Crater Education Alliance extends its sincere gratitude to the Burton Family Foundation, the Arizona Community Foundation, W. L. Gore & Associates, and Sam & Marjorie McLanahan. Their commitment to education and workforce development is helping create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
As the summer progresses, participants will continue to engage in experiences that challenge them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and pursue their ambitions with confidence. We look forward to sharing more stories and highlights from this remarkable group of future leaders.
The journey to the stars begins with curiosity—and for these young women, that journey is already well underway.
Odyssey Camps Return for a Record-Breaking Summer of STEM Discovery
Girls2Space Camp
Summer is in full swing, and the Meteor Crater Education Alliance is excited to announce the return of its highly successful Odyssey Camps program. Serving children throughout Northern Arizona, Odyssey Camps are once again bringing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life through hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences.
Hosted at both the Flagstaff Science Center and the Museum of Northern Arizona, Odyssey Camps have become one of the region's most sought-after summer educational programs. This year, demand has reached an all-time high, with enrollment doubling compared to previous years.
The remarkable growth reflects the value families place on high-quality STEM education that is both engaging and fun. Throughout the summer, campers are exploring scientific concepts through interactive experiments, engineering challenges, creative problem-solving activities, and exciting opportunities to discover the world around them.
"We are thrilled to see so many young learners participating in Odyssey Camps this summer," said program organizers. "The tremendous increase in enrollment demonstrates that families recognize the importance of STEM education and appreciate programs that make learning exciting, accessible, and meaningful."
At Odyssey Camps, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, collaborate with their peers, and develop the confidence to tackle new challenges. Whether investigating the natural sciences, building engineering projects, or exploring technology, campers are gaining skills that will benefit them long into the future.
Perhaps the strongest indicator of the program's success is the enthusiasm of the campers themselves. Every day, children arrive eager to learn, explore, and create. Their excitement and engagement are a testament to the quality of the experience provided by the dedicated educators, volunteers, and partners who make Odyssey Camps possible.
As the summer continues, the Meteor Crater Education Alliance looks forward to inspiring even more young minds through discovery, innovation, and exploration. With record enrollment and enthusiastic participation, Odyssey Camps are proving once again that STEM education can be both impactful and incredibly fun.
The future is bright for Northern Arizona's young scientists, engineers, and innovators—and their journey is just beginning.
SpaceFort: Asteroid Day Flagstaff Is Landing June 26!
Meet astronauts!
Get ready for one of the most exciting family STEM adventures ever to land in Flagstaff!
For one unforgettable day, the Elk's Lodge in Flagstaff will transform into SpaceFort: Asteroid Day Flagstaff—a high-energy celebration of space, creativity, imagination, gaming, art, science, and discovery. This unique event brings together astronauts, scientists, artists, gamers, educators, and families for an incredible journey into the wonders of the universe.
SpaceFort: Asteroid Day Flagstaff
Friday, June 26
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Elk's Lodge
2101 N. San Francisco Street
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to meet real astronauts and space pioneers while exploring hands-on STEM experiences designed to inspire curiosity and imagination in people of all ages.
Meet Extraordinary Space Explorers
Participants can:
Create space-inspired art alongside astronaut and artist Nicole Stott
Carry out thrilling virtual space missions using Kerbal Space Program with astrophysicist and gaming sensation Scott Manley
Explore rockets, asteroids, planetary defense, and human space exploration with astronauts Steve Smith and Ed Lu
A Universe of Activities for the Whole Family
SpaceFort offers four action-packed hours filled with discovery and fun, including:
Planetarium shows
Solar telescope observations
Rocket activities
Hands-on STEM stations
Food trucks
Exciting raffles
A science store packed with space-themed toys, gifts, STEM kits, books, and even goodies for your pets
Whether your child dreams of becoming an astronaut, engineer, scientist, artist, inventor, gamer, or explorer, SpaceFort is designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, imagination, and wonder.
Admission
Adults: $10
Students (Ages 6–17): $7
Children 5 & Under: FREE
Every ticket purchased helps support STEM outreach programs serving students throughout Flagstaff and Northern Arizona through the Meteor Crater Education Alliance. By attending, families are helping create opportunities for young people to discover science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engaging educational experiences.
Join the Adventure
SpaceFort: Asteroid Day Flagstaff is more than an event—it's a celebration of discovery, imagination, and the boundless possibilities of the future.
Don't miss four hours of astronauts, rockets, gaming, creativity, STEM adventures, food trucks, and unforgettable family fun.
Register today and prepare for launch!
Tickets and event information are available at:
The countdown has begun. We'll see you at SpaceFort!