Taoyuan City Launches NASA‑Led Space Technology Camp for High School Students

Taoyuan City government has designated 2026 as “Taoyuan Space Year” and inaugurated the “2026 Taoyuan City High School NASA Space Technology Exploration Camp.” Mayor Zhang Shancheng attended the opening at Wu‑Ling High School, where four scientists and engineers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory—who have taken part in Mars‑exploration missions—gave lectures and led hands‑on activities.

The program lets students view equipment used for Mars‑sample collection and handle authentic Martian rock specimens. Over three days (July 29‑31) participants engage in asteroid‑impact simulations, near‑Earth object investigations, water‑rocket construction and launch, rover‑control drills and other experiments designed to develop problem‑solving, innovative thinking and interdisciplinary teamwork. Academic supporters include Academia Sinica fellow Ye Yong‑huan, while NASA lecturer Paulo Younse highlighted the goal of sparking interest in space technology.

The camp is part of a broader series of courses, teacher‑training sessions and public events planned throughout the “Space Year,” coinciding with the 100‑year anniversary of Robert Goddard’s first liquid‑fuel rocket launch. Organisers hope the exposure to international experts will broaden students’ scientific horizons and prepare them for future roles in the growing commercial space sector.