Space & Rocketry School

This 6-day immersive aerospace and rocketry training program is designed for CAP cadets ages 14-20. It combines Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education, STEM education, hands-on rocketry engineering, aerospace leadership, and military-style discipline to prepare future innovators, engineers, and leaders in space exploration. Through applied learning, field experiences, and expert instruction, participants will gain essential skills for careers in aviation, aerospace, and STEM fields while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

What You'll Do at Space and Rocketry School

• Build & Launch Rockets – Complete the Civil Air Patrol Rocketry Badge requirements, learning principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, and orbital mechanics through hands-on engineering.

• Engage in Aerospace Training – Participate in mission simulations, explore flight dynamics, and understand real-world aerospace applications.

• Tour Cutting-Edge Facilities – Visit an air traffic control tower and National Weather Station to study real-world aerospace operations. Pending confirmation, there may be an opportunity to tour the SpaceX launch facility.

• Develop Leadership & Teamwork – Train in decision-making under pressure, mission planning, and team coordination, simulating real-world aerospace command scenarios.

• Earn Certification & Recognition – Successfully complete 80% of the program with a graduation ceremony, recognizing participants' achievements in aerospace engineering, leadership, and technical proficiency.

Why You Should Apply

• Gain real-world skills in aerospace engineering and rocketry

• Strengthen your college and scholarship applications with unique experiences and demonstrated STEM skills

• Hands-on experience building and launching rockets with professional aerospace education

• Potential opportunity to tour SpaceX launch facilities (pending confirmation)

• Develop leadership skills essential for military and civilian aerospace careers

Ready to launch your STEM adventure?

If you're passionate about space exploration, rocketry, and aerospace engineering, this is your mission. Apply for the Space and Rocketry School and explore the possibilities!

Contact for Activity: Col Sean Crandall at scrandall@cap.gov

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15vxTaBSy3/

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 14 by the first day of the activity
• CAP Health updated within last 30 days
• C/SSgt or above
• Physical Category I

Cadets: There are no cadet staff positions at this activity. 

Senior Members: Applicants must have Level 2, possess a CAP driver's license and be Physical Category I.

 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. These programs are designed to offset costs associated with participating in NCSAs. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you have the option to receive up to a $400 travel reimbursement towards 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. 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 all financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted. 

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

• Activity Director determines course objectives met.

Address location: 

CAP Training Center
702 South Vermillion Ave., Gate #15
Brownsville, Texas 78521

Commercial Flights to Space & Rocketry School

Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (training center location)
Carriers: American Airlines, United Airlines, Aerus

Harlingen, Texas (HRL) Valley International Airport (30 minutes from the training center) Carriers: Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines,
United Airlines, Sun Country.