Space Camp is more than rockets and simulations—it’s where curiosity turns into confidence. Join us as Robin Soprano shares how immersive experiences are launching future explorers toward the stars.
Hi, and welcome to Stars Launch Pod: Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate.
I’m your host, Susan Wise.
Now, as Vice President of Space Camp, Robin Soprano is dedicated to inspiring the spirit of discovery through immersive engagement, with a passion for workforce development and experiential learning. Robin oversees the delivery of immersive STEM programs that inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers.
It’s Robin’s goal that every trainee—from aspiring astronauts to future robotics experts—leaves with the confidence to reach for the stars. Her work focuses on expanding access to STEM education and maintaining Space Camp’s legacy as a global leader in high-adventure learning.
Hi, Robin, and welcome to the program.
Robin Soprano:
Thank you for having me.
Susan Wise:
We’re very excited to have you here. You know, I know your life has been all about furthering the space industry and moving things forward, but I’d really like to know what’s going on right now that’s helping to advance the space industry.
Robin Soprano:
My goodness. So, at Space Camp, we’re all about inspiring the next generation, right? We have children who come through our camps year-round—we run about 50 weeks a year—but we also offer educator camps, adult camps, and family camps.
Right now, a lot of exciting things are happening. We have the Artemis II launch, which has now been moved to March, and that has energized people with an interest in space. And the new NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman, is actually a Space Camp alum. He attended our Aviation Challenge camp when he was 12.
Susan Wise:
That’s exciting. I knew Space Camp was for kids—my late husband went to Space Camp—but I didn’t realize it was also for adults. Can I sign up?
Robin Soprano:
Absolutely. It’s never too late. We run adult programs that include a three-day weekend program, and a couple of times a year we offer a week-long program. In fact, we’ve got about 50 adults coming in to spend a full week at Space Camp.
Susan Wise:
That’s really exciting. What kind of things would we get to do?
Robin Soprano:
With all of our programs, you’ll learn space history, do hands-on science, tackle engineering challenges, and build and launch rockets. The highlight of the week is a simulated mission. Currently, we’re running missions to the Moon, Mars, and the International Space Station.
Susan Wise:
That is so exciting. And it really is an exciting time to be in the space industry. Looking back over your journey, has there been a big “aha” moment for you that you’d like to talk about?
Robin Soprano:
Actually, yes. Space Camp started in 1982, so that’s 44 years of essentially the same immersive education formula.
When COVID came along, it really upset the apple cart. Everyone said, “You’re just going to do virtual Space Camp, right?” We thought long and hard about it, and that would have been the easy route. But we said no—what makes us successful is in-person immersion.
Everyone who comes through our camps is assigned to a team, and they stay together for the duration. They’re put through their paces, and it’s all about teamwork and communication.
Susan Wise:
It wouldn’t be the same without being hands-on.
Robin Soprano:
Exactly. We were able to reopen briefly in the summer of 2020, but we had to completely rework everything—keeping people six feet apart, adjusting schedules. At the end of that summer, we laid off 90% of our workforce, and we didn’t know when or how we’d reopen.
During the school year, we rely heavily on school groups and international tour groups, and no one was traveling. So we used that time to step back and look at best practices. We became accredited by the American Camp Association. We had been members before, but never accredited.
As part of that process, we had to clearly identify our goals and outcomes. When we looked at all the technical aspects—space, aviation, cyber—we realized that wasn’t the core. The secret sauce is teamwork, communication, and collaboration.
As you push through challenges with your teammates, you grow individually. You learn that you’re part of something bigger, and that if everyone does their part, you find synergy and confidence.
That was my “aha” moment. That’s why people come back again and again. More than a million people have come through our programs, and so many say, “I found my people at Space Camp.”
Susan Wise:
That really is an “aha” moment. We need each other to collaborate.
Robin Soprano:
Exactly. It also tells people that it’s okay to be curious and smart—maybe not the norm. We kind of own the nerdiness here.
We use space as the theme, and we learn incredible things, but the real impact is individual growth and teamwork.
Susan Wise:
It sounds like a blessing in disguise—being able to step back, reassess, and fine-tune your focus and goals, even though it was such a challenge. Speaking of challenges, is there a big one you’d like to talk about and how you overcame it?
Robin Soprano:
I think the biggest challenge is staying at the forefront of rapidly changing technology in aerospace. Things are evolving so fast.
But again, we focus on immersion and on what I call “power skills”—what we used to call soft skills.
Susan Wise:
I like that.
Robin Soprano:
Victor Glover, one of the Artemis II astronauts, visited us and talked about how we can teach hard skills—but power skills matter more than ever. When you’re going to Mars and living in close quarters, you have to know how to work and live well with others. That doesn’t always come naturally.
With phones and virtual interactions, in-person communication is harder for younger kids now.
Susan Wise:
Right. When you group kids together, how many are on a team?
Robin Soprano:
About 16. Each team has dedicated counselors—one from wake-up through midday, then a shift change until bedtime. Every moment is structured.
It may feel like free time, but it’s all intentional. Everything revolves around teamwork, communication, collaboration, and reflection—asking, “How could we do that better?”
Susan Wise:
I imagine those bonds last a lifetime.
Robin Soprano:
They really do. I just read an article today about a professor in the Midwest who credited Space Camp with sparking his academic journey.
Susan Wise:
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share with our listeners?
Robin Soprano:
Keep exploring. Keep dreaming. Fight through doubts about what’s next to explore. There really is no “normal.”
If you’re curious about something, go explore it. Post-COVID, learning looks different. There’s more anxiety, and people learn in different ways. We need to meet people where they are, then gently push them just outside their comfort zone—because that’s where growth happens.
Susan Wise:
I love that Space Camp can be the spark for kids who don’t even know they have a passion yet. And today, the space industry needs people from all walks of life—not just astronauts, but people in food, healthcare, art, and so much more.
Robin Soprano:
Exactly. If we’re living independently of Earth, we need people who know how to grow food, provide medical care, sew spacesuits, design space blankets, and create art to inspire public support. There truly is something for everyone.
Susan Wise:
I love that. This journey has been so successful, and it’s still growing. Do you have a passion project you’d like to talk about?
Robin Soprano:
Yes—looking ahead, we’re building a new facility called the Inspiration for Skills Training Complex.
Jared Isaacman, before becoming NASA administrator, donated $10 million to help us expand our programs, and he’s since made an additional donation to complete the project.
This building will take our simulated space missions to the next level. We’re currently running software from the 1980s, and this upgrade will be a huge leap forward.
We’ll have new missions, a two-level indoor ropes course, and advanced aviation simulators. It’s all about creating authentic, inspiring experiences.
Susan Wise:
That’s incredible. When will it open?
Robin Soprano:
The building will open this summer. About 90% will be operational by May, with more experiences rolling out after that.
Susan Wise:
That’s amazing. If a parent wants to get their kids involved, what should they do?
Robin Soprano:
Visit SpaceCamp.com. We still have some spots available for the summer, but they’re filling quickly.
Our alumni surveys show that kids take more STEM classes after camp, gain confidence, and improve teamwork skills. The benefits go far beyond just learning about space.
Susan Wise:
I’ve had several STEM kids on my podcast, and they’re brilliant—so inspired and excited about the future.
Robin Soprano:
Right now on the International Space Station, Chris Williams is there, and he’s a Space Camp alum. Christina Koch on Artemis II is a five-time Space Camp alum. There are currently 21 astronauts who came through our programs.
Susan Wise:
That really speaks for itself. Robin, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today.
Robin Soprano:
Thank you—and come see us anytime you’re in the area.
Susan Wise:
We definitely will. Now that I know adults can attend, count me in.
Robin Soprano:
Absolutely.
Susan Wise:
Make sure you join us where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and subscribe.
Until next time—keep looking up. 🚀
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