Tesla Science Center’s Space Science program ignites curiosity, inspires collaboration, and empowers future problem-solvers through hands-on STEAM learning experiences.
Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s legacy of wireless communication, robotics, and scientific discovery, our program connects students to the foundations of the Space Age while preparing them to shape its future.
We offer immersive workshops, hackathons, and educational experiences designed for high school and undergraduate students from Long Island and beyond.
SpaceHack Saturdays
June 2026 | Suffolk County Community College Ammerman Campus 533 College Rd, Selden, NY 11784
SpaceHack Saturdays 2026 offers four sessions of hands-on space science workshops hosted at Suffolk County Community College’s Ammerman Campus. These workshops offer students a unique introduction to a variety of topics across the spectrum of space-related disciplines — from astrobiology to robotics and beyond!
Participants work alongside scientists, engineers, and STEAM educators to build skills in:
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Coding
- Data analysis
- Scientific inquiry
Students may attend one session or all four — each workshop stands on its own. For more information, please email [email protected].
2026 Program Dates
Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Please arrive promptly at or just before 9:00 AM for breakfast snacks and drinks. Lunch will be provided; students with dietary restrictions or allergies may want to consider bringing their own refreshments, as we may not be able to accommodate all needs.
- June 6 — Achieve Escape Velocity! — Rocketry, space probes & Long Island’s NASA history
- June 13 — Will We Find Life On Other Worlds? — Telescopes, exoplanets & astrobiology
- June 20 — Touchdown On Another Planet! — Mars rovers, drones & environmental data
- June 27 — One Giant Leap To Inherit The Stars! — Crewed missions, life support & planetary geology
June 6 — Achieve Escape Velocity!
In this session we explore the historical origins and the engineering and science behind rocketry and space probes — the technologies that let us overcome Earth’s grasp and explore the universe. Learn about Long Island’s relationship with space exploration and NASA, the basic science and mathematics of rocketry, the different kinds of instruments and experiments used by space probes, and what discoveries may lie in wait on distant ocean worlds. Students will participate in hands-on activities building model rockets or robotic probes, and learn from each other in reflective group discussion.
June 13 — Will We Find Life on Other Worlds?
In this session we learn how scientists use observations from optical and radio telescopes to analyze exoplanets, and what astrobiologists theorize about life on other worlds. Students will discover what Nikola Tesla dreamed of when he looked to outer space, and how his theories and innovations led to radio astronomy and improved our understanding of the electromagnetic force. Students will synthesize what they learn about planetology and astrobiology by imagining an alien ecosystem, and learn from each other in reflective group discussion.
June 20 — Touchdown On Another Planet!
Nikola Tesla was the first to build a radio remote-controlled robotic drone, and his vision took us from the shores of Sound Beach to the sand dunes of Mars. In this session we discover how rovers and drones from prior and current Mars missions operated, and what the future of robotic space exploration looks like. We gather data from the Red Planet on its ground, in its atmosphere, and in orbit; students will learn how instruments on spacecraft and sensors on robots collect environmental data — and how comparing Earth and Mars observations helps us understand both worlds better. Students will design their own simulated robotic mission, and learn from each other in reflective group discussion.
June 27 — One Giant Leap to Inherit the Stars!
The universe is filled with tens of trillions of galaxies, each containing hundreds of billions of stars — and worlds orbiting around each one. How will humanity live on other worlds, or survive the journey to reach them? Students will explore planetary geology and the millions of small bodies in our solar system, discover how life support systems and shielding keep people alive in the extreme environment of outer space, and learn about space food and astronaut nutrition. Students will participate in a planning simulation for a crewed mission, and learn from each other in reflective group discussion.
SpaceHack Saturdays is designed for grades 9+ and undergraduate students. Check your inbox and spam folder for your email confirmation after registering.
Can’t make it to all four? No problem — each session stands on its own. Join our mailing list to stay up to date on future programs.
Space Apps Brookhaven
Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe is the lead organizer for NASA Space Apps Brookhaven, a local chapter of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge — the world’s largest annual global hackathon.
The NASA Space Apps Challenge brings together coders, educators, scientists, designers, storytellers, engineers, and innovators from around the world to use NASA’s open data to overcome challenges and improve life on Earth and in space.
Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe has hosted Space Apps Brookhaven in prior years and anticipates future participation pending annual confirmation from NASA.
For more information about the global challenge, visit: https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/
Explore past programs and recaps:
Our Mission
Nikola Tesla’s visionary experiments laid the groundwork for modern radio technology, wireless communication, robotics, and remote-control systems — innovations that made the Space Age possible.
Our Space Science programs echo Tesla’s innovative spirit by encouraging students to explore boldly, collaborate creatively, and contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement.
We invite students, educators, and STEAM enthusiasts to join us as we push the boundaries of what is possible and shape the next generation of innovators.
Stay Connected
Email [email protected] to join our Space Science mailing list and be the first to hear about:
- Registration announcements
- Workshop updates
- SpaceHack programs
- NASA Space Apps Brookhaven participation updates
- Volunteer and mentorship opportunities
If you are a Long Island teacher, administrator, or STEAM program leader, contact us to learn how our Space Science programs can support your students.
