Reviewed by: Lisa Battles
Why this local woman loved ‘being a kid again’ at adult Space Camp®
Reading time: 5 minutes
Sponsored
Katie Kirkland grew up gazing at the cosmos and passing by Huntsville’s signature rocket, not knowing she would one day blend her love of science and communication at the largest space museum in the world.
Now Director of Marketing at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Katie has shared countless anecdotes from Space Camp® alumni—kids and adults alike. Last February, Katie decided it was time to experience it as a participant.
Did you know there is a grown-up version of Space Camp®? Keep reading to learn about Katie’s experience at Adult Space Academy and how you can live out your childhood space dreams, too!
Meet Katie Kirkland
- Hometown: Scottsboro, AL
- Occupation: Director of Marketing at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
- Background: BS in Biology from Mississippi State, BA + MA in Communications from UAH
- Adult Space Academy Alum: February 2024
- Hobbies: Hiking Green Mountain, reading (she has 40+ books on her TBR list), shopping at Bridge Street, dining in downtown (Domaine South is her fav)
‘Being a kid again’ at the Adult Space Program
Katie tested her inner “Capcom” (Capsule Communicator) in one of the missions and launched her own rocket at Adult Space Academy. (Katie Kirkland / U.S. Space & Rocket Center)
Yep, adults can attend Space Camp®, too! Katie is one of thousands to reconnect with their childhood selves over a phone-free weekend of space simulations, dining hall lunches, team building and more.
The unique, enriching environment is tailored for adults to unplug from their day-to-day life and learn about space in a fully-immersive, collaborative experience.
“Pretty much the whole weekend, you’re being a kid. Plus, you’re connecting with adults in a way you don’t get to during regular life.
It was fun to be in an environment that allowed you to grow, experiment, be yourself and ask questions.”
Katie Kirkland
Take the leap for yourself and spend a weekend at Adult Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Katie’s favorite activities + takeaways
Check out the highlights of Katie’s Space Academy memories:
1. Challenging missions
When I chatted with Katie, we bonded over our shared memory of navigating a simulated rocket mission. While you’re not actually leaving the ground, the one-hour simulation feels very high-stakes.
“You expect the missions to be easy because you’re used to dealing with adult tasks in your everyday life. But then you get into it, and everything is time stamped and you have certain tasks you have to do at specific times to ‘land’ successfully.
In our shuttle mission, we landed in the water. But then in the Mars Mission, everything went off without a hitch. It was this amazing teamwork moment, because you really do bond in those high-pressure scenarios.”
Katie Kirkland
2. Bonding with peers
The relationships built really stuck with Katie. Now, when she sees her Space Academy group mates around, they catch up like old college friends.
“It’s a great experience to be with people who are all like-minded, because everyone who’s coming to Space Camp® loves learning, space, technology and science. Since you all have that in common already, it makes it a lot easier to form those friendships.”
Katie Kirkland
3. Building a ‘Heat Shield’
In her current role, Katie isn’t usually tasked with building a contraption to protect an egg from extreme heat conditions. That is, however, one of her favorite memories from Space Academy.
“When you’re in a creative field like marketing, you’re not really building things on a daily basis. This was a high-pressure challenge to make something with your hands and think critically.
Then, when you’re watching each team’s egg go under the blowtorch, we were all cheering each other on and having fun. It was a great example of the bonding and teamwork that Space Camp® brings.”
Katie Kirkland
Try Adult Space Academy for yourself
Ok, what are you waiting for? Here are some more fun facts to add some fuel to your excitement:
3-Day Adult Space Academy includes:
- Stay overnight onsite with accommodations (including meals) Friday-Sunday
- Train like an astronaut on the Multi-Axis Trainer
- Construct + launch your own model rocket
- Learn team building exercises on the Low Elements Ropes Course
- Test your engineering skills in designing a protective heat shield
- Participate in simulated space missions
Here is Katie’s advice to those considering going to Space Camp® as an adult:
“People are a lot more resilient than they give themselves credit for. Everyone has an opportunity to grow and to shine.
It definitely is worth it, and is something that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Yeah, I work here, so I’m a little bit biased, but coming to Space Camp® is one of my best memories and is something I’ll remember forever.”
Katie Kirkland
Ready to train like an astronaut? View upcoming missions starting at $799 as soon as November 9-14, 2025!
Check out Hville Blast’s Space Camp® experience!
Click here to learn more about upcoming Adult Space Academy, Family Space Camp® and more programs at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Sponsored by:
Ad
