Become the leader that people want to follow

On the Astronaut Leadership Experience

What is the Astronaut Leadership Experience?

A group of people smiling and posing for a photo outdoors in a rocky canyon or mountain area, dressed in casual and outdoor clothing.

When NASA forms an astronaut team, they undertake leadership and team building in remote areas.

The Astronaut Leadership Experience (ALE) is based on the NASA programmes and is led by an astronaut.

ALE provides a challenging, fun and exciting blend of skill building and personal growth that focuses on responsibility for oneself, other team members, supporting the leader and care for the environment.

“ found the programme brilliant both professionally and personally, consequently, I have made some very big and bold decisions, which have produced really positive outcomes. ”
— Gillian O’Neil CEO and Founder of 29 Studios

What the Astronauts Say

  • A man and a woman smiling, with the woman holding a certificate of achievement.

    "The Via Ferrata is nearest thing to spacewalking that I've done here on Earth. "

    - Colonel Ron Garan NASA Astronaut

  • Six people, three men and three women, standing together outdoors in front of parked cars on a gravel surface, smiling and enjoying each other's company, with a hilly, grassy landscape in the background.

    "It was amongst the very best team building exercises I have experienced."

    - Ken Bowersox - NASA Astronaut, Space Shuttle & ISS Commander

  • Man climbing a rocky outdoor mountain with safety equipment, wearing a blue helmet and black jacket.

    "The Via Ferrata is a high level challenge that is just like space walk training in Russia."

    - Astronaut & ISS Commander Dr. Michael Foale CBE

A man in a blue NASA jacket and a woman in a black top and pink scarf holding a certificate for the Astronaut Leadership Experience, with a mountain painting in the background.

Take your leadership to the next level

During the programme, you will take on a range of leadership roles:

  • Designated Leadership: taking responsibility for the group and its goals

  • Active Membership: supporting the designated leader and participating in group decision

  • Collegiate Leadership: the team works together, supports each other and is proactive in achieving group goals

  • Personal Leadership: explorers take care of themselves and show initiative

Two people rock climbing outdoors on a rocky slope, with a forested mountain range in the background; one climber is securing the ropes while the other is climbing.
Three men in a forested area set up safety harnesses and ropes, with one wearing a blue helmet, for a zip-lining activity.
Two people standing on a boat in a cold, icy environment, smiling at the camera; one wearing a black jacket and sunglasses, the other in a light blue jacket and white hat.

Engage in thrilling outdoor adventures

A woman with a climbing helmet and outdoor jacket is preparing to rappel or climb, assisted by a man holding climbing ropes in an outdoor setting with trees.

  • Zip wire - Team works together to zoom across a 100ft deep ravine

  • Ghyll scrambling - the challenge of making your way through waterfalls

  • Rock climbing & Abseiling

  • Via Ferrata - A high level (approx. 1000ft) challenge on rungs, wires & ladders just like spacewalking

  • Constructing a bridge - over a gorge

  • Plus daily teambuilding challenges!

Ready to Put Your Team to the Test?

Frequently asked questions

  • The programme is ideal for corporate teams, emerging leaders, executive groups, and organisations looking to push boundaries and build leadership through real challenge. It’s also suitable for leadership development providers seeking a unique, high-impact module to embed into their wider programmes.

  • While a moderate level of physical fitness helps, no prior experience in outdoor activities is required. The programme is designed to be challenging but accessible, with professional instructors guiding every step and activities scaled to suit your group’s ability.

  • Participants will develop resilience, self-leadership, team coordination, decision-making under pressure, and communication in dynamic environments. ALE mirrors the teamwork and personal accountability required of NASA crews operating in unknown and unforgiving conditions.

  • Typical Astronaut Leadership Experience courses run over 3 to 4 days in the Lake District, UK, combining outdoor challenge with structured leadership development.

    However, we’ve also delivered ALE programmes in extreme environments around the world, including the Gobi Desert, the Arctic, and other remote locations, tailored to meet the needs and ambitions of high-performance teams seeking something truly extraordinary.

  • Yes. Each ALE includes live interaction with a former NASA astronaut who shares leadership lessons from space, facilitates key sessions, and participates in debriefs and evening discussions.

  • Absolutely. We offer tailored ALE courses to align with your leadership themes, development goals, and participant profiles. From activity selection to focus areas and reflection sessions, we work with you to ensure maximum relevance and impact.