International Space University Announces UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management Campus as the Host Site 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
The University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando will be a premiere destination for the global space sector next summer with the hosting of the 38th International Space University (ISU) Space Studies Program. The 2027 ISU Space Studies Program (SSP) will gather hundreds of participants and global space educators and luminaries from around the world for an intense seven-week program for students and space professionals hosted at UCF’s state-of-the-art resort-style Rosen College of Hospitality Management campus during July and August.
ISU’s Space Studies Program delivers an intensive international, interdisciplinary and intercultural immersion into the rapidly evolving global space industry that has accelerated the careers of over 6,000 alumni worldwide since 1988. The program is taught by a global faculty of space sector professionals delivering a graduate level academic and experiential program amplified by hands-on workshops and team projects catering to space career development and professional networking.
International Space University entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Central Florida in July 2026 to explore collaborative space education opportunities and activities. Today’s announcement of ISU’s 2027 SSP hosted at UCF is the result of the high levels of synergy between the institutions and a mutual passion for advancing innovative space related programs accelerating the next generation of world 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 host ISU’s 38th Space Studies Program from June 21st to August 13th, 2027, highlighted by the vibrant Central Florida commercial space ecosystem and the proximity of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This will be the second time that the ISU Space Studies Program has been hosted in Central Florida. ISU’s 25th SSP was hosted in 2012 at the Florida Institute of Technology and NASA KSC.
A Curriculum Planning Meeting (CPM) for SSP 2027 will be hosted at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management during UCF’s Space Week 2026, with support from UCF’s Florida Space Institute, led by ISU SSP '91 / MSS ’95 alumnus and ISU global faculty member, Alain Berinstain. Berinstain was also recently named as director of the Florida Space Research Consortium, a statewide partnership designed to align 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.”
ISU’s SSP 2027 will be a particularly unique opportunity for participants to experience the latest commercial space developments, experience the exhilaration of rocket launches first hand, and learn the latest scientific discoveries from interdisciplinary industry and academic leaders across a broad range of space disciplines.
UCF and ISU will also deliver a collaborative Executive Space Course during the program for space industry professionals, with further details to be announced.
Find out 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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