Landing humans on the moon was just a dream when UCF was founded in 1963. But we dared to believe — developing the talent and inventing the technologies to make it reality. That same spirit still drives us today.
We are America’s Space University. And we celebrate UCF Space Week to honor our origin as we dare to build what’s next.
Where Global Leaders Unite to Forge the Future of Space
What will astronauts eat on Mars? How have books and movies fueled our fascination with space? And how much space pride can we pack into Acrisure Bounce House?
There’s a whole week to explore the answers.
Beginning Oct. 25, the second annual UCF Space Week puts the university’s founding mission in the spotlight: advancing the United States’ space program and preparing the people who’ll take it further. Today, that work spans labs, classrooms and industries, driving discovery and supporting Florida’s growing space economy. UCF Space Week brings that industry connection to campus, welcoming global space leaders, researchers, students, partners and fans for a celebration of ideas and discovery.
Explore ideas for life beyond Earth, revisit the curiosity and bold determination behind historic achievements and join traditions that bring UCF’s space legacy to life, culminating in the UCF football team’s 10th annual Space Game.
Cue up the space-themed Spotify playlist curated by UCF Libraries faculty, staff and students, then make room on your calendar to experience UCF Space Week 2026.
Space Industry Events
Sunday, Oct. 25
National Space Society Space Settlement Summit
Running through Monday, Oct. 26, this two-day summit explores the challenges and innovations shaping lunar settlement and exploration. Hosted in partnership with the National Space Society, it features technical panels, visionary talks and networking opportunities centered on the moon and cislunar space.
Monday, Oct. 26
UCF Innovate Day
The inaugural UCF Innovate Day showcases how UCF transforms research into real-world impact through entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and strategic partnerships. Explore breakthrough ideas, hear pitches from emerging innovators and connect with industry leaders helping shape the future of innovation in Central Florida and beyond.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
SpaceU Symposium
Leaders, researchers and students from across Florida will discuss the latest innovations and research driving the future of space science.
UCF SpaceU Awards Dinner
The university’s second annual SpaceU Awards Dinner will recognize excellence and innovation within the UCF space ecosystem, including key partners, industry leaders, and outstanding faculty and students.
The Economist’s 4th Annual Space Economy Summit
The fourth annual Space Economy Summit brings the space sector together with the industries it’s beginning to reshape. Over two days, senior leaders from business, government, and investment will examine how space-enabled tools can solve problems on Earth, what customers need before they adopt them, and how partnerships can move promising technologies from impressive pilots to everyday use.
Community Events
Monday, Oct. 26
Space in the Popular Imagination
John C. Hitt Library | 1–3 p.m.
Explore how literature and film have imagined the cosmos — and our place in it — during a panel spanning literature and film from the early 20th century to today.
Moderated by UCF Associate Librarian Michael Furlong ’22EdD, the discussion features Michael Taylor, writer and emeritus faculty member in UCF’s School of Data, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences; Barry Sandler, screenwriter, filmmaker and associate professor in UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media; and Adrienne Dove, planetary scientist, professor and chair of UCF’s Department of Physics and co-host of the Walkabout the Galaxy podcast. Visit the library’s event page for more information.
Knights Under the Stars: Full Moon Observation
Robinson Observatory | 7:30–9 p.m.
Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply curious, join an evening of lunar observation at Robinson Observatory and share in the excitement of a fully illuminated moon.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Movie Night: Starman (2025)
John C. Hitt Library | 5–7 p.m.
Are we alone in the universe? NASA robotics engineer and best-selling science fiction author Gentry Lee has spent a lifetime wondering. This documentary follows his search for answers and the conclusion he reaches at age 82. Learn more about the film and watch its trailer on the library’s event page.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Mars to Table: Feeding the Future of Human Space Exploration
John C. Hitt Library | 1:30–3 p.m.
Join UCF Associate Professor Amy Gregory ’11PhD and Chef Cesar Rivera-Cruzado from UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management as they showcase the university’s Closed-Loop Culinary Ecosystem, a Mars food system that brings together food production, culinary experience, behavioral health and crew performance. Learn more on the library’s event page.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Movie Night: Hidden Figures (2016)
John C. Hitt Library | 5–7 p.m.
Behind a milestone in American spaceflight were brilliant mathematicians. Hidden Figures tells the story of three Black women at NASA whose work played a pivotal role in sending astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Learn more about the film on the library’s event page.
SpaceU Drone Show
Memory Mall | 7 p.m.
Gather on Memory Mall as synchronized drones illuminate the night in a display celebrating UCF’s space legacy and spirit of discovery. Presented by Pegasus Partner BNY, the show brings the campus community together for an evening of wonder and SpaceU pride.
Friday, Oct. 30
UCF Space Hospitality Student Challenge
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management – Disney Dining Room | 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
What will dinner, sleep and an unforgettable guest experience look like in orbit? Discover how UCF students envision the answers at the Space Hospitality Student Challenge’s Final Pitch Day.
The event caps Rosen College’s inaugural eight-week competition challenging students across disciplines to make life in space more habitable. Hear a keynote address and industry panel, watch the top three teams pitch their concepts to industry judges and explore more student ideas at a poster showcase.
UCF Space Game: Knights vs. Baylor
Acrisure Bounce House | 7:30–11 p.m.
UCF Football takes on Baylor in the 10th annual Space Game, concluding Space Week with a tradition that turns our space legacy into a stadium-wide celebration. Since its debut in 2017, the Space Game has honored UCF’s origin as America’s Space University. Building the anticipation is the reveal of the 2026 UCF Space Game uniform, which honors NASA’s earliest missions and brings SpaceU’s legacy to life on the field. Cheer on our football team in the stadium or tune in on ESPN. For the latest updates, visit ucfknights.com/sports/football.
Explore All Week
These weeklong exhibits and activities offer more ways to connect with UCF’s space story.
From Orbit to Archives Exhibit
John C. Hitt Library | Fourth-Floor gallery
Visit the Special Collections & University Archives exhibit for a look at UCF’s space heritage and history behind the SpaceU identity we celebrate today.
SpaceU: A Universe of Possibilities Exhibit
John C. Hitt Library | Second-Floor Gallery Wall
Check out the curiosity driving UCF forward. This exhibit highlights some of the many projects UCF faculty and students are working on, offering a glimpse of the ideas taking shape across America’s Space University.
Space Out in the Digital Exploration Center
John C. Hitt Library | Digital Exploration Center, Immersion Studio
Step into the Immersion Studio for space-themed meditative experiences designed to help students relax and recharge.
Space Movies Social Media Bracket Challenge
Which space movie deserves the top spot? Put your favorite films in the running in an interactive social media bracket challenge. Follow along as contenders compete for the title of best space movie and find out if your pick goes the distance.
Find the Hidden Citronaut
John C. Hitt Library
Set out on a self-paced scavenger hunt to find the hidden Citronaut as you explore library spaces and uncover fun SpaceU facts along the way.
