Alabama’s US Space & Rocket Center to launch Nichelle Nichols Space Camp in January 2026

Nichelle Nichols, who played Nyota Uhura in ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ and served as an ambassador for NASA’s Space program, will have her own space program named in her honor, to commemorate her legacy.

In January 2026 Alabama’s US Space & Rocket Center will launch the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp, a three day program gearing people up to explore the stars using ‘Star Trek’ as a springing off point. 

The Nichelle Nichols Foundation lists some of the activities people on the program can expect to get involved with:

• First Contact Mission: First Contact Mission: Cadets will have the exciting opportunity to encounter a new species. Their task will be to initiate communication in the same way Uhura would, conveying a message of peace and friendship to our new found extraterrestrial friends.
• Occupy Mars: Humans will soon be an interplanetary species. Imagine yourself living on Mars, contributing to the birth of a brand new civilization. Let’s explore the challenges we’ll face and ponder who might be the very first person born on the Red Planet.
• IDIC Class: Learn about Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, the basis of Vulcan philosophy, celebrating the vast array of variables in the universe.
• Low Ropes Course: Challenges focusing on leadership skills, group dynamics, and communication.
• Rocket Launch: Build and launch your own model rocket.
• Spacesuit Component Testing: Explore the evolution of spacesuits and test materials for future designs.
• Cubesats: Learn about CubeSat technology and design your own origami satellite model.
• Additive Manufacturing: Discover the world of 3D printing and its applications in space technology.
• Heat Shield Design Challenge: Design, build, and test your own heat shield.
• Simulations:
• MAT (Multi-Axis Trainer): Experience the disorientation of an uncontrolled tumble spin.
• 1/6th Chair: Simulate the moon’s gravity and learn lunar exploration movements.

The official announcement for the program reads as follows:

“The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is a tribute to Nichelle’s vision—empowering future generations to shape a world that reflects Star Trek’s ideals, embracing diversity, kindness, and peace. Rooted in the philosophy of “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations” (IDIC), this initiative fosters a culture of inclusion and exploration. Guided by the inspiring legacy of Nichelle, the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is dedicated to transforming young women’s lives by creating pathways for education and careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).

 “The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp — where the spirit of Star Trek’s Starfleet Academy comes to life — is proud to partner with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Since its launch in 1982, this globally recognized program has fueled the dreams of future explorers for over 30 years, mirroring NASA astronauts’ intensive training with an emphasis on teamwork and leadership. Students will collaborate to tackle mission scenarios requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork — skills essential for 21st-century careers.

“Young minds from all 50 U.S. states, territories, and over 150 countries will come together, reflecting the diverse and inclusive spirit of the United Federation of Planets. With programs in space, aviation, and robotics for girls aged 14 to 18, this camp nurtures the next generation of pioneers. The dates are locked in for January 17-19, 2026, for the first class of future space explorers to experience the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp.”

Nichelle Nichols was an ambassador for the NASA space program in the 1970s, helping to advocate for people from all backgrounds to apply and explore the stars.

Nichelle Nichols passed away in 2022, aged 89 years old.