ISSET
About ISSET
ISSET is a space and STEM education provider whose roots are in the International Space School Educational Trust, founded in 1998. It delivers astronaut-led programs and experiences for children, teenagers, schools, and adult groups, using space exploration to build confidence, ambition, leadership, and STEM skills.
Teaching style
ISSET emphasizes experiential, team-based learning led by astronauts, scientists, professors, and expert mentors. Participants tackle hands-on STEM activities, design challenges, research projects, leadership exercises, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving; selected Mission Discovery experiments may be developed for launch to space.
Reputation & Succeed take
ISSET reports more than 20 years of delivering space and STEM experiences with astronauts, NASA leaders, professors, scientists, and major educational partners. Its site documents student experiments flown or scheduled to fly in space and publishes positive participant and parent feedback, although the supplied evidence does not provide independent provider-wide ratings.
Our take
ISSET is a compelling option for learners motivated by space who want unusually direct access to astronauts and practical STEM challenges. Its strongest differentiator is the opportunity for selected Mission Discovery teams to see an experiment developed and launched to space, but families should understand that the launch is competitive rather than guaranteed for every project.
ISSET stands out through astronaut-led instruction, links with scientists and university professors, and challenges connected to real spaceflight. Its portfolio also spans younger children, teenagers, schools, all-age events, and adult groups rather than focusing on a single age group or delivery format.
Who this provider suits
Who should choose them
ISSET should suit space-curious children and teenagers, schools seeking hands-on STEM enrichment, students who enjoy teamwork and practical challenges, and learners who value contact with astronauts and experienced scientists. It is especially relevant to teenagers interested in confidence, leadership, university preparation, research, and future STEM careers.
Who it may not suit
Mission Discovery may not suit applicants who require non-English entry materials or expect every project to be launched, because entries currently must be in English and only the best experiment is selected for development and launch. Families seeking passive, lecture-only learning may also find the strongly collaborative challenge format unsuitable.
Accreditations & Recognition
Duke of Edinburgh Approved Activity Provider