WELCOME TO THE ISS

The International Space Station Program brings together international flight crews, multiple launch vehicles, globally distributed launch and flight operations, training, engineering, and development facilities, communications networks, and the international scientific research community.

Through Sam Houston Area Council's partnership with NASA, Ship 1701 Enterprise is thrilled to be a part of the Scouting America Test Lab ScoutLaunch program.  Under this program, Sea Scouts are able to train alongside experienced Astronauts at Johnson Space Center, in preparation for our very own Crew Dragon mission, currently designated Crew 17-01 scheduled for June 2026.  As with any high adventure trek, there is a significant amount of rigorous training involved, with several mandatory training sessions at JSC including simulators, physical training, and space suit training.  Crew size for a SpaceX Crew Dragon is limited to 5+2 pilots, so space is limited.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND?

All Long Cruise - ISS Program Participants:

• Must be 14 years of age or be 13 years of age and have completed 8th Grade upon arrival at Kennedy Space Center.

• Must fall below the maximum (295 pounds) weight allowed for participation and it is strongly recommended that no participant weighs less than 100 pounds. See Appendix D.

• Must have a current (within 12 months) and completed BSA Health and Medical Record. The doctor completing the form must review the NASA Risk Advisory included with the form. The NASA form can be found at https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ahmr/680-1701-nasa.pdf

• Must be classified as a BSA swimmer, see appendix E.

• Must be a registered member of Scouting America

ADULT LEADERSHIP – BSA POLICY 

• As shown above, each crew MUST always have at least TWO BSA registered adults (called “Advisors”) age 21 or older. 

• All adult participants are required to present proof of BSA Youth Protection training upon arrival at KSC. At least one adult in each crew must have proof of current CPR, Wilderness First Aid and Weather Hazards training. NASA also recommends at least one adult complete BSA Paddle Craft Safety training.

 CO-ED/FEMALE CREW POLICIES 

• Crews with coed youth members must function under appropriate co-ed unit policies. 

• Sea Scout Crews: The Sea Scout program is a co-ed program and units may register and participate as a co-ed crew. All youth must have a buddy of the same gender on the crew. Crews with female youth are required to provide two adults aged 21 and over, at least one of those adults must be a female Advisor. A female adult is required, even if female youth’s father is in attendance. 

Cost:

For more information on cost and fundraising efforts, and to register your interest, please see more information here.