Nichelle Nichols Space Camp inspires young women in Alabama

A new space camp inspired by "Star Trek" star Nichelle Nichols will launch in January 2026. The camp aims to encourage young women interested in careers in space exploration. Nichols, who passed away in 2022, is best known for her role as Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series." The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp will take place from January 17 to 19, 2026, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This respected program, which started in 1982, mimics NASA's astronaut training to inspire students by focusing on leadership and teamwork. Young women aged 14 to 18 from across the U.S. and around the world will participate. They will engage in various activities like simulated missions on Mars, model rocketry, and 3D printing. The camp will also introduce them to fields like aviation and robotics, aiming to spark their interest in STEAM careers. Dr. Kimberly Robinson, CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, expressed excitement about partnering with the Nichelle Nichols Foundation. She believes the camp will inspire young people and promote exploration. Efforts are underway to secure sponsorships to support scholarships for twelve young women to attend the camp. Those interested in sponsoring can visit the official campaign site to contribute.