The Houston Association for Space and Science Education (HASSE) is a globally recognized 501 non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing future space leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. Founded in 2005 by James Liu, HASSE operates from Houston, Texas, home to NASA’s Johnson Space Centre, where human spaceflight innovation thrives.
For nearly two decades, HASSE has provided transformational STEM education and leadership training, impacting thousands of students and educators across four continents. Through its Space School programs, Executive Programs, and international collaborations, HASSE has nurtured young talents, many of whom have advanced into careers at NASA, SpaceX, JAXA, Airbus, and leading universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Rice, and Texas A&M. Alumni also include entrepreneurs featured in Forbes, medical professionals, engineers, and future astronauts.
HASSE is also the host of the World Space Vision & AI Challenge, a premier global competition that challenges students to apply AI to solve real-world space exploration challenges. This event unites young innovators, industry leaders, and academic experts to develop solutions that shape the future of human spaceflight, the space economy, and AI-driven advancements.
By bridging education with industry, HASSE continues to ignite curiosity, drive innovation, and equip young minds with the knowledge and skills to lead in space exploration and technology.
As a leading force in STEM education, HASSE has been instrumental in promoting space science and technology through hands-on learning experiences, international collaborations, and mentorship by industry professionals. The organization collaborates with NASA, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, and private space companies, offering students exclusive access to cutting-edge space missions, research facilities, and private space firms.
HASSE fosters global participation by engaging students from diverse backgrounds, providing immersive experiences such as visits to NASA and Russian Space Agency facilities, interactions with astronauts and space scientists, and specialized training in AI, robotics, and planetary research.
With the support of distinguished scholars, industry pioneers, and space exploration leaders, HASSE equips students with critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork skills necessary for careers in science, engineering, and space technology.
HASSE’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence, technological advancement, and workforce development continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers, ensuring they are prepared to shape the future of space exploration.
Connect students with role models in STEM fields.
Promote STEM in tangible and real-life oriented ways.
Promote fun ways to explore STEM interests through all our programs.
HASSE cultivates students with 21st century skills than instill passion, skills and knowledge, increases their awareness of global connectedness, and develops their interdisciplinary and transferable.
Students learn at the core of NASA and through simulating projects such as mission to Mars, and they engage in unique and insightful discussions with the best minds of NASA. Students visit the international Space Station module, design the Mars exploration rover, launch rockets, visit the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Mission Control Centers, and much more.
In HASSE Space School, NASA engineers, scientists, and managers are specially invited to give professional and interesting presentations to students. It is through these interactions that students are driven to discover their potential, to dream big, and to reach their goals.
Students will be placed in the Mission Control and take part in simulated space missions. They play different roles while working in teams to learn collaboration, crisis management, and teamwork. This helps students to understand the challenges space missions may bring.
Students simulate a US$600 million NASA project to practice allocating resources effectively to accomplish their designated missions within a minimal timeframe. Students need to equipped with not only scientific and mechanical skills but also the business mindset to use and to control budgeting.
Collaborating with private space companies and NASA experts, students simulate establishing a space company. This project requires students first to design, then to work at the makerspace and complete for the Innovation Excellence Awards.
“As a former NASA astronaut and International Space Station Commander, I have had the privilege of venturing where many dream but few have gone before me. Now, as a special advisor to the inspirational Houston Association for Space and Science Education (HASSE) International Study Program, I am honored to share my experiences and encourage today’s students – the future leaders and innovators – to pursue their dreams and ‘reach for the stars’ as well.
An empowering, highly experiential program focused on leadership and personal development, all grounded in STEM. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from NASA experts right at NASA facilities. They acquire essential skills such as leadership through influence, setting and achieving goals, developing initiative, nurturing curiosity, and imagination, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, all in the same inspiring environment where I received my space training.
HASSE students engage with astronauts, scientists, and engineers, participating in hands-on missions and simulations. They return better prepared for life as critical thinkers, leaders, innovators, and collaborators, ready to face the world beyond the school gates.
Former NASA astronaut, International Space Station Commander, andspecial advisor to the HASSE.
