20 Aerospace Engineering Summer Programs / Camps for High School Students

Aerospace engineering is one of the most exciting STEM fields for high school students. It brings together physics, engineering, computer science, robotics, aviation, drones, satellites, space exploration, and mission design.

For students interested in airplanes, rockets, drones, satellites, NASA, SpaceX, robotics, or engineering, an aerospace summer program can be a great way to explore the field before college. Some programs focus on aviation and flight training, while others emphasize aerospace engineering, computational design, satellites, robotics, hardware, or research.

Below are 20 aerospace engineering summer programs, camps, research experiences, and related opportunities for high school students to consider.

Updated August 2026. Program details, dates, prices, availability, and eligibility can change each year, so families should always verify the latest information directly with each organization.

1. Research Ignited — Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

Program link: Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab
Format: Live online
Best for: Grades 7–12
Length: 6 weeks × 90 minutes
Focus: Aerodynamics, aircraft systems, drones, satellites, orbital mechanics, mission design, simulations
Tuition: $999

Research Ignited’s Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab is a broad pre-college introduction to aerospace engineering designed for students who may be fascinated by airplanes, rockets, drones, satellites, or space but are not yet sure which area interests them most.

Students explore flight science, aircraft systems, aviation weather and navigation, drones and autonomous systems, satellites, orbital mechanics, and mission planning. Engineering concepts are paired with guided simulation activities so students move beyond simply learning terminology.

The program follows a Concept → Simulation → Engineering Decision approach and concludes with a Capstone Mission Design Defense, where students develop and present an aerospace mission concept.

Best for students who want: A broad aerospace foundation before deciding whether to specialize in rockets, satellites, drones, aviation, or aerospace research.

2. Research Ignited — Rocket & Launch Vehicle Design Lab

Program link: Rocket & Launch Vehicle Design Lab
Format: Live online
Best for: Grades 9–12 and college students
Length: 8 weeks × 90 minutes
Focus: Rocket engineering, OpenRocket, Python, RocketPy, trajectory simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, mission design
Tuition: $999
Hardware: None required

The Rocket & Launch Vehicle Design Lab is Research Ignited’s computational aerospace specialization. Instead of simply assembling a model rocket kit, students learn the engineering work that happens before a vehicle is built.

Students design a complete launch vehicle in OpenRocket, analyze aerodynamics and stability, compare propulsion options, build a mass budget, model recovery systems, and simulate trajectories using Python and RocketPy.

Students also explore sensitivity analysis, engineering margins, failure modes, and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis to understand how changes in wind, motor performance, mass, and other variables affect mission performance.

The program culminates in a scored digital flight mission and a formal Mission Design Review, where students defend their engineering choices using simulation data.

Best for students who want: A deeper, analytical aerospace experience involving rockets, mathematics, simulation, Python, and engineering design without needing to purchase or launch physical rocket hardware.

3. Research Ignited — CanSat Space Engineering & Mission Control Lab

Program link: CanSat Space Engineering & Mission Control Lab
Format: Live online with real hardware
Best for: Grades 8–12 and college students
Length: 8 weeks × approximately 2 hours
Focus: Satellite systems, embedded electronics, sensors, GPS, LoRa telemetry, mission control, data analysis
Tuition: $999
Hardware: Approximately $300 self-sourced or $500 Research Ignited kit

The CanSat Space Engineering & Mission Control Lab is Research Ignited’s hands-on aerospace hardware specialization.

A CanSat is a can-sized satellite engineering prototype that allows students to work with many of the same subsystems found in larger spacecraft: onboard computing, environmental sensors, motion sensors, GPS, power, radio telemetry, data logging, and a ground station.

Students build and program their own CanSat using an ESP32-based flight computer, sensors, GPS, and LoRa radio telemetry. They also build a ground station and create a mission-control dashboard that displays information such as altitude, temperature, GPS position, signal strength, and packet performance.

The program culminates in a live telemetry mission, engineering analysis, and a CanSat Engineering & Flight Mission Portfolio. Students keep their completed CanSat and ground station.

Best for students who want: To physically build, program, test, and operate aerospace hardware rather than working only with simulations.

4. Research Ignited — Aerospace Research Fellowship

Program link: Aerospace Research Fellowship
Format: 1:1 or very small-group research mentorship
Best for: Grades 9–12, especially grades 10–12
Length: Typically 10–12 weeks
Focus: Original aerospace research, AI, aviation, drones, satellite data, space systems, technical writing
Tuition: Contact Research Ignited for current fellowship pricing

The Aerospace Research Fellowship is designed for students who are ready to go beyond coursework and complete a focused aerospace research project with mentor guidance.

Possible research directions include autonomous drone routing, AI for aviation safety, satellite imagery and climate monitoring, CubeSat mission concepts, sustainable aviation, aviation accident analysis, space medicine, space debris, aerospace cybersecurity, and other interdisciplinary topics.

Depending on the project, the final deliverable may include a research paper, technical poster, presentation, data analysis, mission proposal, or portfolio-ready engineering project.

Best for students who want: A deeper academic experience and an original aerospace research project developed with individualized mentor guidance.

5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Summer Camps

Program link: Embry-Riddle Summer Camps
Format: On-campus summer camps
Best for: Middle and high school students depending on program
Focus: Aviation, aerospace engineering, flight, space, drones, astronomy, STEM
Estimated cost: Varies by camp

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the best-known universities specializing in aviation and aerospace. Its summer programs expose students to subjects such as aviation, aerospace engineering, uncrewed aircraft systems, space, astronomy, and related STEM careers.

Best for students who want: An on-campus aerospace or aviation experience at a university strongly associated with the aerospace industry.

6. Syracuse University Pre-College Aerospace Engineering

Program link: Syracuse Pre-College Aerospace Engineering
Format: On-campus pre-college program
Best for: High school students
Focus: Aircraft, rockets, drones, flight principles, aerospace engineering
Estimated cost: Varies by residential or commuter option

Syracuse University offers pre-college coursework that can introduce high school students to aerospace engineering and flight concepts through university-level instruction and project-based learning.

Best for students who want: A structured university-based pre-college aerospace experience.

7. Rice Precollege — Space Exploration

Program link: Rice Precollege Aerospace
Format: Online pre-college course
Best for: High school students
Focus: Space exploration, Mars missions, aerospace and space science
Estimated cost: Varies by year

Rice University’s pre-college offerings give high school students an opportunity to explore specialized academic topics in an online format. Space-focused coursework can be a good fit for students interested in Mars exploration, human spaceflight, and the scientific challenges associated with future missions.

Best for students who want: A flexible university-branded online introduction to space exploration.

8. Texas A&M Camp SOAR

Program link: Texas A&M Camp SOAR
Format: On-campus summer camp
Best for: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Focus: Aerospace engineering, university research facilities, design activities, technical instruction
Estimated cost: Varies by year

Texas A&M’s aerospace-focused summer opportunities give students exposure to aerospace engineering in a university environment, including technical instruction and interaction with engineering facilities and activities.

Best for students who want: Exposure to aerospace engineering while exploring the possibility of studying the field in college.

9. Illinois Aerospace Institute — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Program link: Illinois Aerospace Institute
Format: Residential university summer camp
Best for: Grades 9–12
Focus: Aerospace engineering, hands-on projects, design, university instruction
2026 cost: $1,500 residential

The Illinois Aerospace Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides high school students with an intensive introduction to aerospace engineering.

Students participate in classroom instruction, hands-on projects, engineering activities, field trips, and interactions with instructors and guest speakers. The program gives students an opportunity to experience aerospace engineering within a major university engineering environment.

Best for students who want: A concentrated residential aerospace engineering experience at a major engineering university.

10. NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute

Program link: NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute
Format: In-person at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio
Best for: Rising 11th and 12th graders who meet eligibility requirements
Focus: Engineering design, NASA technology, aircraft noise, space power systems, lunar operations
Program cost: No program fee for selected participants; students are responsible for applicable travel, meals, and lodging

The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute is a selective program that introduces students to engineering concepts used by NASA scientists and engineers.

Students work through the engineering design process and develop and test prototypes connected to NASA research areas. Recent challenges have included reducing aircraft noise, designing power systems for spacecraft, and developing wheel concepts for lunar and Mars exploration.

Best for students who want: A competitive hands-on engineering experience directly connected to NASA research and aerospace workforce development.

11. NASA Texas Aerospace Scholars

Program link: NASA Texas Aerospace Scholars
Format: Online learning with competitive virtual and potential residential experiences
Best for: Eligible Texas high school juniors and seniors
Focus: NASA missions, engineering, coding, CAD, manufacturing, Moon and Mars mission design
Eligibility: Includes Texas residency and U.S. citizenship requirements

Texas Aerospace Scholars allows eligible high school students to engage with NASA-inspired STEM curriculum and learn directly from NASA scientists and engineers.

Junior participants begin with online mission-based learning involving areas such as Earth science, technology, space exploration, coding, and computer-aided design. High-performing students can progress to summer team challenges and potentially an onsite experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Best for students who want: A selective NASA pathway combining online learning, engineering challenges, and potential Johnson Space Center experiences.

12. NASA / UT Austin SEES High School Summer Intern Program

Program link: SEES High School Summer Intern Program
Format: Competitive onsite and virtual research experiences
Best for: Eligible rising high school juniors and seniors
Focus: NASA data, aerospace, Earth science, planetary science, remote sensing, microgravity, research
Eligibility: Competitive application; requirements vary by program year

The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) program is hosted by the University of Texas Center for Space Research and connects selected high school students with NASA, university, and aerospace experts.

Students participate in authentic research involving NASA mission data and areas such as aerospace, planetary science, remote sensing, microgravity research, Earth observation, and data analysis. Students also present their research as part of the program.

Best for students who want: A selective research-oriented NASA experience rather than a traditional summer camp.

13. NASA High School Internships & STEM Gateway Opportunities

Program link: NASA Internship Programs
Opportunity portal: NASA STEM Gateway
Format: Internships and STEM opportunities
Best for: Students who meet the eligibility requirements for individual opportunities
Focus: Aerospace, engineering, science, technology, NASA missions, research

NASA offers a variety of student opportunities through its internship programs and STEM Gateway. Opportunities vary considerably in eligibility, location, timing, and academic requirements.

These programs are generally more selective than traditional camps and may require students to demonstrate academic preparation and a strong interest in STEM.

Best for students who want: To explore competitive NASA internships and STEM opportunities as they progress through high school and college.

14. FAA Aviation Career Education Academy

Program link: FAA Aviation Career Education Academy
Format: Aviation education programs offered through local organizations
Best for: K–12 students depending on local program
Focus: Aviation careers, aerospace, flight, airports, STEM
Estimated cost: Varies by location and provider

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Aviation Career Education Academy program helps introduce students to aviation and aerospace career pathways.

Local programs may include STEM activities, airport visits, aviation career exposure, demonstrations, and other aviation-related learning experiences.

Best for students who want: Aviation career exploration through programs connected to the FAA’s educational initiative.

15. Space Camp — U.S. Space & Rocket Center

Program link: Space Camp
Format: Residential camp
Best for: Middle and high school students depending on track
Focus: Space exploration, astronaut mission simulations, STEM, teamwork
Estimated cost: Varies by program

Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is one of the most recognizable youth space education experiences in the United States.

Students participate in space mission simulations, STEM challenges, teamwork exercises, and activities inspired by astronaut training and space exploration.

Best for students who want: An immersive residential space-themed experience with mission simulations.

16. Space Center U — Space Center Houston

Program link: Space Center U
Format: In-person STEM experience
Best for: Middle and high school students depending on program
Focus: Space exploration, STEM, mission design, engineering, science
Estimated cost: Varies by session

Space Center Houston offers STEM programs that introduce students to space exploration, scientific investigation, mission operations, and engineering challenges.

Depending on the program, students may encounter topics such as payloads, atmospheric science, robotics, engineering design, and mission-style teamwork.

Best for students who want: A hands-on space education experience connected to Space Center Houston.

17. EAA Air Academy

Program link: EAA Air Academy
Format: Residential aviation camp
Best for: Ages 14–18 depending on session
Focus: Aviation, aircraft systems, flight, technical skills, aviation careers
2026 cost: Approximately $1,300–$1,650 depending on session

The Experimental Aircraft Association’s EAA Air Academy gives students an immersive introduction to aviation through technical projects, aviation activities, and career exploration.

Experiences may include aviation workshops, aircraft and maintenance exposure, flight-related activities, aviation professionals, and opportunities to learn about pathways into aviation careers.

Best for students who want: A residential aviation experience with strong exposure to real aircraft and aviation careers.

18. Air Camp

Program link: Air Camp
Format: Residential and day aviation STEM programs
Best for: Students in different age groups depending on program
Focus: Aviation, flight, drones, engineering, navigation, weather, STEM careers
Estimated cost: Varies by program

Air Camp introduces students to aviation and STEM through flight-related experiences and engineering activities.

Students may explore navigation, weather, flight simulation, drones, mission planning, aviation careers, and other aspects of the aerospace ecosystem.

Best for students who want: Practical aviation exposure combined with broader STEM learning.

19. Aerospace Center for Excellence Summer Camps

Program link: Aerospace Center for Excellence Summer Camps
Format: In-person aviation and aerospace camps
Best for: Students interested in aviation and aerospace
Focus: Aviation fundamentals, flight concepts, aerospace STEM
Estimated cost: Varies by camp

The Aerospace Center for Excellence offers educational programs intended to inspire students through hands-on aviation and aerospace learning.

Programs may cover aviation fundamentals, flight concepts, STEM activities, and aviation career exploration.

Best for students who want: A hands-on aviation and aerospace learning environment.

20. Wings Over the Rockies — Aerospace Exploration Pathway

Program link: Wings Aerospace Exploration Pathway
Format: In-person aerospace enrichment
Best for: Grades 6–12 depending on program
Focus: Aerospace science, aviation, drones, robotics, coding, rocketry
Estimated cost: Varies by program

Wings Over the Rockies offers aerospace education experiences that expose students to aerospace science, aviation, drones, robotics, coding, rocketry, and related STEM areas.

Best for students who want: Hands-on aerospace exploration spanning aviation, engineering, drones, robotics, and space-related topics.

How to Choose the Right Aerospace Summer Program

There is no single “best” aerospace summer program for every student. The right option depends on what the student wants to explore, how much hands-on experience they want, whether they prefer online or residential learning, and how specialized they are ready to become.

Choose a broad aerospace engineering program if:

The student likes airplanes, rockets, drones, or space but is not sure which area to pursue
The student wants exposure to multiple aerospace disciplines
The student wants to understand both aviation and space engineering
The student is relatively new to aerospace

Choose a rocket engineering program if:

The student enjoys physics, mathematics, simulation, or programming
The student wants to understand rocket stability, propulsion, trajectories, and vehicle design
The student is interested in rocketry competitions or university rocketry teams
The student wants to use engineering software rather than simply assemble a kit

Choose a CanSat or hardware program if:

The student enjoys building and troubleshooting physical systems
The student wants experience with sensors, electronics, GPS, radio communication, and embedded programming
The student is interested in satellites, robotics, electrical engineering, or computer engineering
The student wants a physical engineering project for their portfolio

Choose a residential university program if:

The student wants to experience college life
The family is comfortable with travel and residential costs
The student wants in-person interaction with peers
The student wants exposure to university faculty, laboratories, or engineering facilities

Choose a NASA or government program if:

The student meets the program’s eligibility requirements
The student has a strong STEM academic background
The student is comfortable with a competitive application process
The student wants exposure to aerospace research and government STEM careers

Choose an aviation-focused program if:

The student is primarily interested in aircraft and flying
The student may eventually pursue pilot training
The student wants exposure to navigation, weather, aircraft systems, airports, or aviation careers

Choose a research fellowship if:

The student already has a specific aerospace interest
The student wants to investigate an original question
The student wants individualized mentor guidance
The student wants to create a research paper, technical project, poster, or presentation

Aerospace Topics High School Students Can Explore

Aerospace is much broader than simply airplanes and rockets. Students interested in aerospace can explore areas such as:

Aerodynamics
Aircraft systems
Propulsion
Rocket engineering
Trajectory simulation
Flight mechanics
Drones and autonomous systems
Embedded systems
Satellite systems
CanSat and CubeSat engineering
Radio telemetry
Orbital mechanics
Space mission design
Aviation weather
Navigation
Human factors and aviation safety
Artificial intelligence for aerospace
Space medicine
Sustainable aviation
Space debris and policy
Satellite imagery and climate monitoring
Aerospace cybersecurity

This makes aerospace an unusually interdisciplinary field for students interested in engineering, computer science, physics, robotics, electronics, AI, environmental science, medicine, mathematics, or public policy.

Research Ignited Aerospace Pathway

Research Ignited offers a progression for students who want to move from exploring aerospace to developing specialized engineering and research skills.

Explore → Design → Build → Research

Explore: Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

Learn more: Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab

This is the broad foundation and where many students begin. Students explore aerodynamics, aircraft systems, drones, aviation, satellites, orbital mechanics, and space mission design.

Best for: Grades 7–12
Format: Live online
Outcome: Capstone Mission Design Defense

Design: Rocket & Launch Vehicle Design Lab

Learn more: Rocket & Launch Vehicle Design Lab

This computational specialization takes students deeper into launch vehicle engineering. Students use OpenRocket, Python, and RocketPy to design, simulate, optimize, and analyze a launch vehicle before defending their engineering decisions.

Best for: Grades 9–12 and college
Format: Live online
Outcome: Launch Vehicle Engineering Portfolio + Mission Design Review

Build: CanSat Space Engineering & Mission Control Lab

Learn more: CanSat Space Engineering & Mission Control Lab

This hardware specialization lets students build and program a satellite engineering prototype with sensors, GPS, LoRa telemetry, onboard computing, and a ground station.

Best for: Grades 8–12 and college
Format: Live online + physical hardware
Outcome: Working CanSat + ground station + mission portfolio

Research: Aerospace Research Fellowship

Learn more: Aerospace Research Fellowship

Students ready for deeper academic work can move into individualized research involving areas such as autonomous drones, AI for aviation, satellites, sustainable aviation, space systems, aerospace data, or other mentor-guided topics.

Best for: Grades 9–12, especially grades 10–12
Format: 1:1 or very small-group mentorship
Outcome: Original research project, paper, technical presentation, poster, or portfolio-ready deliverable

Students do not have to complete these programs in order. A student can begin with the broad Aerospace Engineering & Mission Design Lab, go directly into Rocket or CanSat if they already have a specific interest, or apply directly to the Aerospace Research Fellowship if they are ready for research.

Compare all Research Ignited aerospace programs: Research Ignited Aerospace Programs

Final Thoughts

Aerospace engineering is one of the most interdisciplinary STEM fields available to high school students. It combines physics, engineering, computer science, electronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, environmental science, aviation, and space exploration.

The best aerospace summer experience depends on what the student wants to accomplish.

A student exploring aerospace for the first time may benefit from a broad program covering multiple areas. A student fascinated by rockets may prefer launch vehicle design and simulation. Someone who enjoys electronics may prefer building a CanSat or working with drones. Students interested primarily in flying may benefit from aviation camps, while academically advanced students may want to pursue NASA opportunities or mentor-guided research.

For students who want to learn from home alongside their school schedule, Research Ignited offers a complete aerospace pathway spanning broad aerospace exploration, computational rocket engineering, real satellite hardware, and individualized research mentorship.

Explore the complete pathway:
Research Ignited Aerospace Programs

Individual programs:

Research Ignited
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