Oxford Summer Space & AI Course 2026
A transformative summer course in Oxford for aspiring scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts.
Registration open for Summer 2026!
Overview
Explore the Universe, Learn from Experts, Build Your Future
Following on from the success of 2025, in Summer 2026 dare to dream bigger and unlock your cosmic potential. Embrace the spirit of discovery at Space Store’s Oxford Summer Space Course, a transformative space summer course for ages 12-18 in the prestigious setting of Oxford University.
If the mysteries of the universe have always captivated you, this is your chance to delve deeper. Learn from inspiring NASA engineers, world-class space scientists, and esteemed Oxford University professors.
What you will learn…
- The immersive 2 week-long course covers all STEM disciplines within space, with a special focus on cutting-edge: Space Engineering, Physics, Maths and Biochemistry.
- Along the way, you’ll master key astronaut skills including: leadership, teamwork, and communication while building confidence and enhancing your educational profile.
Experience authentic student life in Oxford’s iconic academic setting at Jesus College. Stay in historic university halls, explore the city’s cultural treasures, and bond with new friends over exciting activities and meals in Oxford’s vibrant restaurants.
Explore the Universe, Learn from Experts, Build Your Future
- Learn from NASA engineers, leading space scientists & Oxford professors.
- Attend inspiring lectures and Q&A sessions with industry leaders.
- Dive deep into space science, engineering, physics and astronomy.
- Stay at Jesus College's Oxford University historic university halls and experience authentic student life.
- Collaborate with like-minded peers from around the globe.
- Official completion certificate and letter of recommendation.
- Breakfast and dinner at university halls.
- Build lifelong connections and gain insights into STEM careers.
Fees
Summer 2026
Course Academic Sessions-
09:00–13:00 morning academic sessions
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Led by Oxford professors, NASA trained-engineers & industry experts
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Course materials and resources provided
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Hands-on workshops (e.g., rocket design, robotics, AI projects)
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Certificate of completion
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Access to Oxford University facilities during class hours
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Small group sizes for personal attention
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Official graduation ceremony and awards night
Summer 2026
Course Sessions + Afternoon Trips-
Everything in Course Academic Sessions
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09:00-17:00 daily schedule
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Afternoon excursions around Oxford
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Visits to museums and science centers (e.g. Oxford Science Museum, Natural History Museum)
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Team-building and leadership activities
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Guest talks and mini-projects
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Supervised lunch breaks and group discussions
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Daily feedback and mentorship from instructors
Summer 2026
Full Residential Programme-
Everything in Course Academic Sessions + Afternoon Trips
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Accommodation in Oxford University rooms
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Daily breakfast and dinner
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Full-day weekend excursions (e.g. London, Harwell Campus)
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24/7 pastoral care and supervision
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Evening social activities (quiz nights, movie nights, debates)
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Airport transfer service (optional add-on)
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Official graduation ceremony and awards night
Registration Process
Programme Activities
The programme will cover space topics of study, including maths, engineering, satellite technology and astronomy. Taught by leading space scientists, engineers and industry professionals.
Lectures provided by NASA rocket scientists, space professionals, and even astronauts!
Try on a replica astronaut space suit: Sokol and Starman-inspired. Learn why space suits keep astronauts safe and take some amazing photos!
Experience visiting the International Space Station, go out on a space walk, dive in a simulated Martian cave, and even walk on the Moon.
Hold actual rocks from Space! Learn about the history of the solar system while you hold and identify asteroids. Hold a piece of the Moon and Mars!
Learn about how astronauts stay fit and healthy in space – and take part in competitive activities with your peers…for some awesome space prizes!
Build a real UBO cube-satellite and learn about its components, whilst programming it for a bespoke mission.
Learn about space in an interactive way, bringing the solar system, rockets, and rovers to life in front of your very eyes!
Learn programming basics and immediately apply your learning to space. Create a 2-dimensional pointing vector to point the James Webb Space Telescope!
Curriculum Schedule
Residential students will be welcomed to Oxford over the weekend on the Sunday before week 1 of the course. Courses will begin on Mondays and run for 2 weeks. Below is an example schedule for the 2 week course.
Week one
Rocket Science and Propulsion Systems
Students will learn the fundamentals of rocket science and propulsion, including how rockets generate thrust, the principles of fuel efficiency, and the physics behind launching and manoeuvring spacecraft.
Astrodynamics
Students will explore the principles of motion in space, including satellite orbits, planetary transfers, and gravitational assists, developing an understanding of the dynamics that govern space travel and mission design.
Spacecraft Design
Students will explore the key principles of spacecraft design, including structural engineering, power systems, thermal management, and instrumentation, gaining insights into creating functional and efficient space vehicles.
Exoplanets and Habitability
Students will investigate the characteristics of exoplanets and the factors that determine their habitability, exploring concepts such as the habitable zone, atmospheric composition, and methods of exoplanet detection.
Day at Harwell Space Campus, Oxfordshire
Students will gain first-hand insights into cutting-edge space research and industry applications through visits to facilities at Harwell Space Campus, engaging with professionals and exploring real-world projects in space science and technology.
Day Trip to London
Students will explore London’s space and science-related attractions, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and future of space exploration through visits to landmarks like the Science Museum, Royal Observatory, and interactive exhibits, while engaging with professionals in the field.
Day Off
Students can take a day to relax and recover before week 2!
Week Two
Origins of the Universe
Students will explore the origins of the universe, including the Big Bang theory, cosmic inflation, and the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, while gaining an understanding of the scientific methods used to study the universe’s evolution.
Space Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
Students will understand the use of artificial intelligence and programming in robots used for space exploration, focusing on their applications for planetary exploration, in-orbit repairs, and autonomous operations, while gaining hands-on experience in robotics and automation systems.
Space Weather
Students will explore the phenomena of space weather, including solar winds, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms, and understand their effects on spacecraft, satellites, and Earth’s atmosphere.
Mars Exploration Project (Day 1)
Students will investigate the challenges and technologies involved in Mars exploration, including the design of rovers, landers, and habitats, and work on a project to propose solutions for sustainable exploration and human colonization of Mars.
Mars Exploration Project (Day 2)
Students will investigate the challenges and technologies involved in Mars exploration, including the design of rovers, landers, and habitats, and work on a project to propose solutions for sustainable exploration and human colonization of Mars. The final day will conclude with presentations, prize giving and certificates for students.
Students will depart from Jesus College Oxford. The team will coordinate travel to UK Airports as required.
Meet the Instructors
Dr Meganne Christian
A British-Australian-Italian scientist, researcher, and explorer, Meganne is a member of the European Space Agency astronaut reserve and Commercial Exploration Lead at the UK Space Agency.
Until 2023, she was a materials science researcher specializing in graphene and hydrogen storage at the National Research Council of Italy. Passionate about developing new technologies for a cleaner and more efficient world, Meganne has an impressive track record in research and exploration. A keen adventurer, Meganne has spent a winter and two summers at Concordia Station in Antarctica, conducting research on atmospheric physics and meteorology, and has also tested materials in zero gravity.
Dr Kevin Olsen
Dr Kevin Olsen is a Science Fellow at Oxford University. He is working on data analysis for the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter Atmospheric Chemistry Suite. His objective is to measure high quality vertical profiles of gases present in the atmosphere of Mars, to search for undetected species, such as methane and other organics, and chlorine- or sulphur-bearing molecules. He uses these results to help understand the photochemistry, dynamics, and climatology of Mars.
Dr Carly Howett
An Associate Professor of Space Instrumentation at Oxford University, Dr Carly Howett’s main interest is in finding new ways to explore our solar system through the development of new instrumentation, missions and ground-based observations. Her main research interest is in understanding the surface properties of icy worlds, including Saturn’s icy moons, Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids, Europa, and Kuiper Belt Objects (including Pluto and Charon). She is the Deputy Principal Investigator of the Ralph Instrument on New Horizons, an Instrument Scientist on NASA’s Lucy mission and a Co-Investigator on two other NASA missions: Cassini and Europa Clipper.
Jon
Pineau
Jon Pineau is a Stellar Solutions Senior Engineer with a comprehensive technical background in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, and space systems research. This includes space systems integration and testing, satellite and space instrument operations, spacecraft design, development oversight, scripts and real-time embedded system programming, and space system research. With experience in NASA and ESA science missions, human vehicle systems, space-based instruments, and launch vehicles, Mr. Pineau’s background combines broad systems engineering experience with hands-on technical expertise in space flight and ground systems.
Paul
Bhangal
With a total 30 years of experience in management, of which half overlaps with the world of academia. He is experienced in managing multicultural teams and has delivered high-level consultancy projects across the globe for the commercial and public sectors.
Paul is on the Advisory Board of UK universities, UK social enterprises and charitable organisations. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and holds art exhibitions in London.
Stephen Ringler
Stephen has over 20 years of experience working in the Space sector as a Pointing Precision Engineer, Programmatic Analyst, and Business & Economic Developer. Accomplishments include developing concept missions for Jet Propulsion Laboratory, supporting the Ultraviolet Spectrograph Instrument on board NASA’s Juno Mission, and capturing £100m+ in contracts and investment for companies he supports. Stephen is founder and CEO of an exciting start-up Space Store, which brings Space Experiences to schools and businesses.
Lakshya Sethi
Lakshya has over 5 years of experience working in the Space sector as an Engineer and Project Manager. Lakshya has taught at various accredited international Engineering, Physics and Astronomy programmes. Lakshya leads the operations at Space Store for its vast client base, including businesses, schools and universities.
Lea
Ringler
As Outreach Manager, Lea has over 25 years working in the charity sector in events and administration. Lea runs Space Store’s after school club programme, holiday clubs, and enrichment activities for 5 – 18 year olds. She is leading Space Store’s newest Oxford Space Course targeted at 12 -18 year olds in summer 2026.
Why choose us?
- Prestigious Location: Study at Jesus College, Oxford University, one of the world’s most iconic academic institutions.
- Skill Development: Build essential skills like leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and public speaking.
- Global Connections: Collaborate with like-minded peers from around the world, creating lifelong networks.
- Boost Your Future: Enhance your university application and gain a certificate to showcase your achievements.
- Expert-Led Learning: Gain insights from NASA astronauts, leading space scientists, and esteemed professors.
About Space Store
Established in 2017, Space Store are on a mission to bring the wonders of space closer to everyone. Combining education, inspiration, and innovation, we create immersive experiences that ignite curiosity about the universe. We work with NASA & ESA Astronauts, Engineers and Scientists, leading space companies across the UK/Europe and Oxford University professors as part of our programmes.
We’ve worked with over 5000 students from across the world in interactive workshops and experiential activities. Our mission is to connect people of all ages with the excitement of space exploration. Whether you’re a budding astronaut or simply fascinated by the stars, Space Store is your gateway to the cosmos!
Our new Oxford Space Summer Course is an exciting new edition for students aged between 12-18 to propel their space careers, experience life at Oxford University and build lifelong connections in the space industry.
