ÐÔÊӽ紫ý

September 2026 - 9 days

Register for 2026 now at tours@newscientist.com and we will contact you with confirmed tour details, including dates and prices, when 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. 

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the US’s space and astronomy landmarks, designed for curious minds and lifelong learners. From the thrills of Orlando’s Kennedy Space Center and hands-on astronomy at the Orlando Science Center, to Houston’s Johnson Space Center and cutting-edge orbital research, this tour immerses you in the science, technology and wonder of space exploration. Experience the power of the Very Large Array’s radio telescopes, the pristine desert skies of New Mexico and the frontier of commercial space travel at Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America. Along the way, explore the cultural intersections of space, from UFO lore in Roswell to the natural beauty of White Sands National Park, creating an exceptional blend of education, discovery and inspiration.

Guided by leading academics and journalists, this unique adventure blends science, history and culture, offering an unparalleled perspective on the US’s contributions to space exploration. 

This journey offers unrivalled access to iconic space facilities, immersive planetarium and observatory experiences, expert-led discussions and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the continental US, making it the perfect adventure for those eager to understand our universe while experiencing it up close.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA 

Welcome to Orlando! You will be met at the airport and transferred to 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 US’s history in space exploration and its role in astronomy.

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. Explore the park’s unique ecosystem by day and, as night falls, engage in hands-on stargazing, astrophotography and guided astronomy programmes that reveal the intricate dance of planets, stars and constellations across the southern Florida sky.

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO HOUSTON, TEXAS 

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. Discover science-themed dining experiences that celebrate Houston’s connection to space exploration, or, for those eager to dive straight into astronomy, connect with local astronomy clubs and public stargazing events.

DAY 5: NASA'S 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: HOUSTON SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY HIGHLIGHTS 

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 and you can participate in night sky photography sessions or interactive discussions about celestial objects and their significance. 

Enjoy an evening stargazing session led by an astronomy expert. 

DAY 7: HOUSTON TO ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, THE VERY LARGE ARRAY AND WHITE SANDS 

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.

In the afternoon, explore the striking landscapes of White Sands National Park, where vast gypsum dunes create a unique natural laboratory. Discover the connections between Earth science and astronomy, from the region’s geology to its clear, unpolluted skies that make it ideal for observation. 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: SPACEPORT AMERICA AND ROSWELL 

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. 

Afterwards, continue to Roswell, a town synonymous with UFO lore and the cultural fascination with extraterrestrial life. Explore museums and exhibits that examine UFO history, local legends and the broader scientific context of extraterrestrial research.

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: ALBUQUERQUE DEPARTURE 

Depart after breakfast and transfer to Albuquerque airport for your onward travel, reflecting on an unforgettable journey through the science, history and future of space exploration in the US.