About Us

What is Student Astronaut Challenge?

The Student Astronaut Challenge is an aerospace-related secondary (grades 6-12) STEM competition. Student teams of six initially participate in a qualifying test where their scores are averaged for ranking. Students can test to participate in either the Apollo Division (Advanced level) or the Mercury Division (Beginner to Intermediate level). The top teams are then selected for each division. These teams compete in a four part final competition that is held annually at the Kennedy Space Center in February over three days. The four challenges are design, engineering, landing, and space flight simulation. For more information about each challenge, see the challenge section of our website.

Email us with any questions at astronautchallenge@gmail.com

Sponors

The all-volunteer staff of the Student Astronaut Challenge is continually looking for educational partners and sponsors to support the challenge and help this worthwhile program grow. If you are interested feel free to contact us.

Each year the Student Astronaut Challenge reaches out for donor support to ensure that all schools, regardless of ability to pay, can participate in the Astronaut Challenge. There are various areas where groups, organizations or individuals can help support this worthwhile program.

Some of our current sponsors include: Blue Origin Club for the Future, Exolith Lab at Space Resource Technologies, Florida State University Schools, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Coaxis International, The Florida Engineering Foundation, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at astronautchallenge@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can a school have more than one team participate?

During the qualifying exam:

Schools can have as many teams as they wish participate in the qualifying test. The more teams that participate, the greater the chance a school has of being selected for the final competition.
All teams participating in the qualifying exam will be ranked by their score either in the Apollo Division or Mercury Division category based on their selection during registration.

The final competition:

The Student Astronaut Challenge follows a one school-one team policy for the final competition. Regardless of ranking, only one team per school can be represented in the finals and in only one of the two divisions.
The qualifying position in the finals is the property of the school that sponsors the team.
The makeup of the team members that will participate in the final is up to the school being represented.

Does my team have to compete in all challenges at the competition?

No, a team may participate in any or all challenges. Please note that any team that does

not compete in all challenges will not be eligible to win the overall competition winner

award.

Do the same six students need to participate in the 4 challenges at Kennedy Space Center?

Yes. Once teams arrive at Kennedy and check in, there can be no changes to the team's roster.

Should teams study any information other than the vehicle technical manual for the qualifying test?

No, all questions on the qualifying test are derived solely from the technical manual.

If my school is K-12, can I have more than one team participate?

Teams may consist of all middle schoolers, all high schoolers or a mixture of both. If your

school is K-12 or 6-12, you may have one all high school and one all middle school team

or you may have only one team with mixed 6-12 graders. This allows teams to keep

within the rules of one school-one team by having a middle school team and a high

school team or one team from the whole school.

About Us

What is Student Astronaut Challenge?

Sponors

Join The competition

How do I start a team at my school?

Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

What is Student Astronaut Challenge?

Sponors

Join The competition

How do I start a team at my school?

Frequently Asked Questions

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