International Space University Reveals UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management Campus as the Venue for Its 2027 Space Studies Program
UCF and Florida’s Space Coast are a dynamic world leading ecosystem for space exploration and development that is sure to deliver a spectacular and memorable experience for all SSP 2027 participants.”— Bob Richards
Next summer, the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando will become a premier gathering point for the global space community as it hosts the 38th International Space University (ISU) Space Studies Program. Scheduled for July and August 2027, the ISU Space Studies Program (SSP) will bring together hundreds of attendees, along with space educators and notable figures from across the world, for an intensive seven-week session designed for students and space professionals. The program will take place at UCF’s modern, resort-style Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus.
Since 1988, ISU’s Space Studies Program has provided a rigorous international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural deep dive into the fast-changing global space industry, accelerating the careers of more than 6,000 alumni worldwide. Delivered by a worldwide faculty of space industry experts, the program offers a graduate-level academic and experiential curriculum enhanced by hands-on workshops and team projects focused on professional development and networking within the space sector.
In July 2026, the International Space University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Central Florida to investigate joint opportunities in space education and activities. The announcement that UCF will host ISU’s 2027 SSP stems from the strong alignment between the two organizations and their shared dedication to advancing innovative space-related programs that prepare the next generation of global space leaders.
“Working together with ISU builds on UCF’s leadership in space research, innovation and education,” remarked Greg Autry, associate provost of space commercialization and strategy at UCF. “We are delighted to host the 2027 SSP at UCF and collaborate with ISU in developing future leaders of the world space community.”
“We are looking forward to providing UCF’s facilities to host ISU in 2027. Our Space Tourism and Food initiatives represent the same interdisciplinary values that ISU prioritizes,” said Amy Gregory, Rosen College Endowed Chair – Space Tourism Programming and Initiatives.”
“UCF and ISU are a dream team,” added Zaheer Ali, Program Director of UCF’s Space Commercialization and Strategy Initiative. “I have no doubt that as pioneers of space education, UCF and ISU will together deliver an epic and life-changing experience to the SSP 2027 participants.”
“International Space University’s collaboration with the University of Central Florida supports a new era of ISU global partnerships,” said Bob Richards, ISU Founder and Co-Chair. “UCF and Florida’s Space Coast are a dynamic world leading ecosystem for space exploration and development that is sure to deliver a spectacular and memorable experience for all SSP 2027 participants.”
“Space is no longer just a destination—it is a thriving, exponential industry driving humanity’s next great economic breakthroughs unlocking the infinite resources of space,” added Peter Diamandis, ISU Founder and Co-Chair. “Bringing ISU’s Space Studies Program to UCF combines world-class interdisciplinary education with Florida’s vibrant commercial space ecosystem, giving the next generation of space entrepreneurs and pioneers the tools to build a future of unlimited potential.”
UCF will serve as the host for ISU’s 38th Space Studies Program from June 21st to August 13th, 2027. The program will be set against the backdrop of Central Florida’s active commercial space environment and the close proximity of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This marks the second occasion the ISU Space Studies Program has been held in Central Florida—the 25th SSP took place in 2012 at the Florida Institute of Technology and NASA KSC.
A Curriculum Planning Meeting (CPM) for SSP 2027 will take place at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management during UCF’s Space Week 2026, with assistance from UCF’s Florida Space Institute, directed by Alain Berinstain—an ISU SSP '91 / MSS ’95 alumnus and ISU global faculty member. Berinstain was also recently appointed director of the Florida Space Research Consortium, a statewide initiative that aligns Florida’s universities around research and innovation.
“We’re excited to host ISU SSP 2027 at UCF and to identify collaborative opportunities in space research and education," said Berinstain. “ISU has had a huge enabling influence on my career and I look forward to welcoming ISU back to Florida and to the like-minded interdisciplinary and innovative environment of UCF.”
Participants in ISU’s SSP 2027 will have a particularly distinctive chance to witness the newest commercial space developments, feel the thrill of live rocket launches, and gain insights into the latest scientific discoveries from interdisciplinary industry and academic experts spanning a wide array of space disciplines.
UCF and ISU will also offer a joint Executive Space Course during the program tailored for space industry professionals; further details are forthcoming.
Learn more about ISU SSP 2027 at: ssp2027.isu.global
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ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1987 by Peter H. Diamandis, Todd B. Hawley and Robert D. Richards, ISU is the world’s only university devoted entirely to experiential space education. ISU has global partnerships with universities, space agencies and leading space companies with over 6,000 alumni from 115 countries including astronauts, entrepreneurs, executives, academics and government space leaders.
Hosted by prestigious academic institutions globally since its inaugural session at MIT in 1988, the Space Studies Program (SSP) is ISU’s flagship program, providing an expansive graduate level curriculum and hands-on training tailored for students and professionals at any stage of their space careers. Participants from around the world take courses across all space disciplines, participate in workshops, immerse in multidisciplinary projects, and engage with leaders of the global space industry.
Learn more: isu.global
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