July 5, 2024

News

Interstellar Dreams Launches Aerospace Camp at Reston Town Center

Interstellar Dreams Space Center launches the next generation of aerospace leaders at space camp in Reston Town Center. 

 

Interstellar Dreams Launches Aerospace Camp at Reston Town Center

With the global space industry expected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, a rapidly increasing number of career opportunities will be available at commercial space companies, as well as at government agencies and defense-related companies. With Fairfax County and the Greater Washington region emerging as a global hub for the aerospace industry, Robin McDougal founded Interstellar Dreams, a program of the Pearl Project Institute for Innovation in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) literacy, a nonprofit organization with the goal of fostering future space talent in the region and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sponsored by Leidos and Boston Properties, Interstellar Dreams wrapped up the first session of its Summer Space Exploration Camp on June 24 at its space center pop-up hub at the Reston Town Center. Interstellar Dreams has a new take on a summer space camp, designed for rising 6th graders through rising 9th graders, that blends “hands-on” fun and “minds-on” tech with their imagination to launch the future of space exploration. Interstellar Dreams incites passion and cultivates an awareness of S.T.E.M. careers in the emerging commercial space industry. Participants use their imagination to design the future of space exploration and space tourism. While building on the history of space exploration, the role of satellites, and careers in aerospace, campers solve problems using critical thinking techniques.

Click here to check out Interstellar Dreams magazine.

During the press conference, the students presented their week-long aerospace learning experience about “The Road to Mars” to parents and guests from Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to see The Road to Mars Press Conference Guide, which includes photos of the space center event.

Registration is open for upcoming camps: (The focus of the camp is noted.)

  • Session #2: July 8-12: The Interstellar Lunar Gateway
  • Session #3: July 15-19: Earth is Changing: Observe with Micro-Satellites
  • Session #4: July 22-26: Planet Hunters Unite: Search for Strange New Worlds
  • Session #5: July 29-August 2: The Ferocious Sun
  • Session #6: August 5-9: Space Travelers, Living and Working in Space
  • Session #7: August 12-16: Space Entrepreneurs: Design a Space Business

Click here for registration information.

All photos and images courtesy of Interstellar Dreams.

Related News

May 31, 2025

New Tools + Resources Launched to Help Displaced Federal Workers, Contractors

In response to the significant shifts in the federal employment landscape, local economic development organizations have joined forces through the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA) to launch “The Pivot” — a comprehensive initiative aimed at assisting federal employees, contractors, and other professionals facing career disruptions. What is The Pivot? Organized by the Northern Virginia […]
Read More
May 20, 2025

Global Satellite Communications Leader Iridium Communications Inc. to Expand Headquarters in Fairfax County

Fairfax County, Virginia — Iridium Communications Inc., a global satellite communications company, will invest over $13 million to expand their headquarters into a 55,000-square-foot space in Fairfax County, Virginia. The project will support 117 new associates, expanding its Virginia workforce to nearly 400 over the coming years. Iridium currently employs 271 people throughout Virginia, with […]
Read More
May 10, 2025

From a Rising Startup to the Nation’s Leading Digital Wallet

Blake Hall, founder and CEO of Fairfax County-based ID.me, reflects on the company’s first 15 years in business: ID.me is the largest digital identity wallet in the United States, trusted by millions to verify their identities and access essential services seamlessly and safely. ID.me’s mission is clear: Make the world a more trusted place by […]
Read More