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Programme Overview ✨
Embark on an extraordinary journey this summer. The first option invites you to immerse yourself in the world of space exploration at Mission Discovery, King’s College London, where you'll spend five exhilarating days designing a space experiment alongside NASA astronauts, space scientists, and elite professors.
The second option is Mission Discovery Plus, where you can extend your experience with a captivating cultural immersion programme.
After your week at Mission Discovery, explore iconic landmarks and delve into centuries of academic excellence while visiting renowned universities in London, Oxford, and Durham. You will gain firsthand insights into the heritage and culture of the United Kingdom, essential for preparing you for a world of increased global partnerships and collaborations.
Both options promise to ignite your passion for discovery and equip you with the skills to shape the future.
Meet the Mission Discovery Team 🤩
Ricky Arnold
NASA Astronaut
& Global Educator
Sarah Murray
Former Project & Technical Lead in the
development of NASA’s Orion Space Vehicle
Prof. Steve Harridge
Professor of Human & Applied Physiology
at King's College London
Dr Julie Keeble
Director of Biological Services & Senior
Lecturer at King’s College London
Dr Peter Hodkinson
Head of Aerospace Medicine
(Clinical and Education)
Diane Ryding
Former Head FDP/YDP Academy
Physiotherapist, Manchester United
Ricky Arnold
NASA Astronaut
& Global Educator
Sarah Murray
Former Project & Technical Lead in the
development of NASA’s Orion Space Vehicle
Prof. Steve Harridge
Professor of Human & Applied Physiology
at King's College London
Dr Julie Keeble
Director of Biological Services & Senior
Lecturer at King’s College London
Dr Peter Hodkinson
Head of Aerospace Medicine
(Clinical and Education)
Diane Ryding
Former Head FDP/YDP Academy
Physiotherapist, Manchester United
Benefits of Mission Discovery
🚀 Unlock Your Potential: Boost confidence and exceed limits with an extraordinary journey.
👨🚀 Learn from the Best: Gain wisdom from NASA astronauts and brilliant experts, inspiring and guiding your path.
👩🏫 Master Essential Skills: Develop teamwork, innovation, leadership, and more for future success.
💻 Real-Life Research Experience: Dive into captivating scientific challenges, discovering the secrets of the universe.
🔭 Elevate Your Achievements: Strengthen university applications and stand out from the crowd.
🙌 Thrive in Teamwork: Collaborate with like-minded peers, forming lifelong friendships.
Join Mission Discovery's epic STEM adventure! Dream big, reach for the stars, and shape your future!
"The best thing you will ever do."
Archie, Fullbrook School
"A once in a lifetime opportunity with prestigious scientists and astronauts."
Ashley, Cheltenham Lady’s College
"A life-changing experience"
Dilan, Brompton Academy
Mission Discovery Itinerary 💫
Throughout the week you will hear a variety of talks from our experts, based on a range of themes including team building, leadership, space, the sciences and personal development.
Your team will be assigned its own Mission Discovery mentor to help you every step of the way.
DAY 1: Sun 6th - Meet & Greet + Check in
Check in to King's College London student accommodation and head out for evening meal.
DAY 2: Mon 7th - NASA Team Building & Leadership - 09:30 - 16:00
Just like the makings of any astronaut crew, the days focus is on bringing you together. By the end of the day, you and your team will be functioning as an elite unit.
DAY 3: Tues 8th - Introduction to Design Brief - 09:00 - 16:00
Now you’re ready to take on your first space mission. We introduce you to the design brief. You and your space squad will work quickly to pull together ideas.
DAY 4: Weds 9th - Budgeting, Planning & Experiment Design - 09:00 - 16:00
Let’s finalise those ideas and work out how your experiment is going to work in microgravity.
DAY 5: Thurs 10th - Finalise Experiments & Public Speaking Seminar - 09:00 - 16:00
You’ve done it, look how far you’ve come in only 4 days. Your experiment is ready for lift off! Let’s turn your incredible work into a presentation and get you prepped for the final tomorrow.
DAY 6: Fri 11th - Present Ideas to Judges & Winners Announced 09:00 - 15:30
All the hard work is done, now it's time to present your idea to our friendly judges and accept your Mission Completion certificate and awards at the Mission Discovery closing ceremony. YOU DID IT 🤩
Mission Discovery opens students eyes to new opportunities and new ways of thinking.
The successes that they will gain from this programme will directly lead into the successes they will have in the future.
- NASA Astronaut & Teacher
Barbara Morgan
It's a rare opportunity to do something that is unimaginable for most people. Students will gain space knowledge but also enhance their self- belief and capabilities. I would have loved this opportunity as a student.
- NASA Astronaut & ISS Commander Steve Swanson
Mission Discovery students have the opportunity to take what may seem impossible and launch into a new possible.
I know the week will transform how they see themselves in their future.
- NASA Astronaut & Geologist Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger
Mission Discovery London Accommodation 🪐
You will be staying in premium King's College London's student accommodation, with the following facilities:
🍳 Breakfast
🍝 Dinner at local restaurants
👩🏻💼 24 hr supervision
🚶🏻♀️Escorted to and from campus
🔑 Doors open a day early, at 16:00 on Sunday 6th July 2025
🌐 Free WiFi
👩🍳 Private Kitchen for you & your flat mates
🎱 Entertainment & games room
🔒 Secure key card entry & CCTV Surveillance
👮♀️ Security Officer & night patrol
🕥 Manned access gate (24-hour)
Lunch is not included*
Participant Feedback 🙌
Matthew, 17, St Olaves Grammar School
Grazia, 17, Hawthorn High School
Mission Discovery Plus 🎓
Higher Education & Cultural Extension
After completing Mission Discovery at King’s College London, the home of Europe's largest and oldest medical school, you have the option of extending your stay in the UK for the Higher Education & Cultural Extension.
The extension programme enables you to visit 3 of the World’s top 10 universities and gain first hand insights into the heritage and culture of the United Kingdom. Gaining cultural understandings are essential enhancements to prepare for a world of increased global partnerships and collaborations.
The programme cost covers expenses from arrival on July 6th to return to Heathrow on July 19th, including entry fees, lecture fees, accommodation, and meals (excluding lunch at Mission Discovery). Transport within the UK is provided from July 12th. An example of the accommodation is given in the Mission Discovery section above.
First Leg - London
DAY 7: Sat 12th - Tour of London 1
Experience the fusion of academia and iconic London sights with tours of Imperial College and landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, capped with a visit to Westminster Abbey and the Science Museum.
DAY 8: Sun 13th - Tour of London 2
Explore the cutting-edge of art and history together with a visit to world top ten university University College London (UCL), the Tower of London, Tate Modern, and the British Museum, where the past meets the future.
Second Leg - Oxford
DAY 9: Mon 14th - Tour Oxford 1
Embark on a scholarly adventure through the University of Oxford’s Biochemistry department, with enlightening sessions on everything from Malaria to extraterrestrial life.
DAY 10: Tues 15th - Tour Oxford 2
Discover the beauty of Oxford with a guided city tour, delve into St John’s College’s historic grounds, and marvel at natural wonders in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Third Leg - Durham
DAY 11: Wed 16th - Arrive in Durham
Step into the gothic grandeur of Durham Cathedral, a monument that has stood the test of time.
DAY 12: Thurs 17th - Tour of Durham 1
Get an exclusive glimpse into Durham University’s academic excellence with lectures on astronomy, a campus tour, and a magical Harry Potter style college dinner.
DAY 13: Fri 18th - Tour of Durham 2
Uncover the secrets of Durham University’s collegiate system, student life, and support networks, then step back in time at the Beamish Museum to experience North East England’s living history.
DAY 14: Sat 19th - Time to Fly
Conclude your unforgettable UK journey with a scenic drive from Durham to Heathrow, carrying memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready for the experience
of a lifetime? 🚀
Get in touch below if you need more info:
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