Space Operations Academy - CO

Space Operations Academy Colorado provides CAP cadets with rare access to the stakeholders, installations, and systems that support modern U.S. Space Operations. Our academy blends formal classroom instruction with guided exposure activities that highlight real missions and operational environments. Cadets also receive approximately 8 hours of structured instruction at the Moorman SETC taught by the 319th Combat Training Squadron. Each cadet earns a certificate of training while learning introductory concepts such as orbital mechanics, the electromagnetic spectrum, positional navigation and timing, satellite communications, space battle management, and the space environment.

Beyond the classroom, cadets visit military installations, interact with Space Force Guardians, Air Force personnel, and civilian aerospace experts, and explore potential career paths in the Space Force, Air Force, intelligence, cyber, engineering, and commercial satellite operations. This exposure to operational units, mission briefings, and real-world space systems provides insight into how space capabilities support national defense, global infrastructure, and the broader mission interests managed by the United States military.

What you will do

Explore Military Installations

• Schriever SFB – 527th SAS: Space Aggressor Squadron specializing in space threat replication and readiness.

• Schriever SFB – 2 SOPS: Global Positioning System operations and satellite constellation control.

• U.S. Air Force Academy: Aero Lab and Multi Domain Laboratory featuring aerospace research and applied engineering.

• Buckley SFB: Missile warning radomes and infrared surveillance supporting global detection networks.

• NORAD: Air and Space warning systems.

• Moorman SETC – 319 CTS: Classroom instruction in orbital mechanics, satellite systems, and space mission fundamentals.

Civilian Partners and Career Series

• Lockheed Martin: Tour satellite design and testing areas with aerospace engineers.

• Space Operations Q&A: Special Evening sessions with Guardians, Airmen, engineers who share mission insights and career opportunities across military and civilian space fields.

Outdoor Experiences

• Colorado Nature Trails: Explore Colorado’s scenic trails, mountain views, and outdoor landmarks such as Pikes Peak while experiencing the state’s unique high elevation natural beauty.

Why You Should Apply

• Access secure, mission focused space and defense facilities that are normally closed to the public.

• Understand how GPS, surveillance networks, and satellite systems support national security and global infrastructure.

• Connect directly with military and civilian professionals involved in real space missions.

• Explore potential careers in the Space Force, Air Force, cyber, intelligence, engineering, and commercial space industries.

• Build leadership, situational awareness, and critical thinking skills through exposure to national level operations.

• Participate in one of CAP’s most competitive and unique activities.

Ready to Launch into a Space Career?

If you are motivated by space, technology, and service and want an unmatched educational experience, submit your application for Space Operations Academy Colorado!

Contact for Activity: salayon@cap.gov 

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: TBD

Note: Cadets enrolled in Cadet Wings are not eligible for national activities until they complete the program or are disenrolled.

Registration Prerequisites:

The following are required at the time of application:

• Must have Encampment credit

• Age 15 by the first day of the activity

• Must be under the age of 21 at end of activity

• CAP Health updated within last 30 days

• Must have earned the Wright Brothers Award (C/SSgt)

• Must be U.S. Citizens to attend this activity

Staff Application Information

Cadets: There are no cadet staff positions for this activity

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection training

• CAP Health updated within last 30 days

• Must be U.S. Citizens to attend this activity

• Typical positions filled at this activity include, but are not limited to:

  • Safety

  • Health Services

  • Public Affairs

  • Transportation

  • Finance

Please contact the Activity Director to learn more about current staff needs or openings.

Apply in Registration Zone

Applications will be accepted from 15 December through 15 January at 12pm Central.  

Parent, Unit and Wing Approval deadlines must be met in order for an application to be considered. 

All participant and staff applications must be submitted via Registration Zone in eServices. 

Lift/Top is a needs-based financial assistance program. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you may have the option to receive a partial travel reimbursement towards round trip transportation to and from the activity. Lift/Top recipients must accept their slot in writing in order to receive this financial support.

CAP Cadet Scholarships: Through the generosity of our supporting donors, some CAP scholarships focus on supporting cadet attendance at NCSAs through a merit-based application process. Please see the Scholarship page to see the full list of available Activity Scholarships.

How to apply:

• Applications for both Lift/Top and CAP Scholarships are located in Registration Zone.

• You must apply for each program for which you wish to be considered.

• Lift/Top and each CAP Cadet Scholarship have their own individual Registration Zone events, separate from activity applications.

Important:

• Applying for these financial support programs does not guarantee financial assistance will be offered.

• Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity.

• You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity.

• You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.

The deadline to apply for these financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted. 

• Complete 80% of the activity requirements 

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

Activity Staff will not be able to accommodate cadets using the airlines' Unaccompanied Minor service. 

Activity Staff will provide transportation to and from Colorado Springs Airport (COS) only and the activity location.

Arrival – 12 June 2027
Cadets should arrive at COS between 1000 and 1400.

Departure – 19 June 2027
Cadets should schedule their departure from COS after 0830.

Required Staff Training: TBD