Space Technology and Career Exploration Academy

If you’re ready to take your aerospace interests to the next level, Space Technology and Career Exploration Academy (STaCE) offers an unmatched opportunity to dive into the world of high-power rocketry. This week-long academy brings together motivated cadets from across the region to design, build, and launch rockets using the same methods and materials used by aerospace professionals.

What You’ll Do

At STaCE, you’ll work side by side with industry engineers and experienced mentors to master advanced construction techniques, including:

• 3D printing and advanced fabrication techniques

• Electronics assembly and soldering

• Rocket motor propellant mixing

Throughout the week, you’ll apply these skills to design and build your own high-power rocket. The program culminates in a launch day event, where each cadet’s rocket will fly to support a National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Level 1 High Power Certification — a Junior HPR for cadets under 18 or a full Level 1 Certification for those 18 and older.

Exclusive Industry Experiences

Beyond the build sessions, participants will enjoy exclusive tours and engagements with aerospace technology and manufacturing companies. Past events have included behind-the-scenes visits to launch vehicle and propulsion development facilities, as well as evening sessions with aerospace engineers, military pilots, and rocket propulsion experts.

What You’ll Take Home

Every participant will return with:

• A fully flight-ready NAR Level 1 High Power Rocket

• A certificate of completion recognizing advanced STEM achievement

• Direct contacts for local NAR clubs and launch sites to continue your certification journey

Who Should Apply

STaCE is ideal for Civil Air Patrol cadets who are:

• Passionate about aerospace, rocketry, or engineering

• Ready for hands-on technical challenges

• Interested in pursuing aerospace careers or advanced certifications

Dietary Considerations

This event is self-catered at the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering. It is not an allergy free kitchen. Please let us know any major food allergies. We will attempt to provide accommodation for most dietary restrictions. There is also the option to bring your own food if you are more comfortable controlling your dietary options. 

Lodging Arrangements

Lodging is provided in the dormitory at the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering. Rooms are double occupancy and have private baths. There are laundry facilities in the building.

US Government / REAL ID Requirement

This activity includes tours on Government installations and DoD contractor facilities.  All participants and staff must be US Citizens and possess one of the following IDs prior to arrival: State Issued REAL ID (driver or non-driver), US Passport, or Active-Duty Military ID.  No exceptions.  ID details will be requested if you are selected to attend.

National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Membership

All participants and rocket-building staff need to be active members in NAR prior to the activity.    Enrollment details will be provided if you are selected to attend.

Contact for Activity: dan.anderson@alwg.cap.gov

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 be at least age 16 by the first day of the activity

• Must be under 21 years of age by end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

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

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• CAP Health updated within last 30 days

Cadets: There are cadet staff positions at this activity. Minimum applicant requirements include:

• Must be at least age 16 by the first day of the activity

• Must be under 21 years of age by end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

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

• Prior attendance at STACE or active National Association of Rocketry L1/JL1HP preferred

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Please contact the Activity Director for more information before submitting an application. 

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to attend this activity.

• High power rocketry experience is preferred.

• Typical senior staff 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.

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

• 80% of curriculum verified by completed assignments

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

• Commercial Airline: Activity staff will provide transportation between Huntsville International Airport (HSV) and the activity location.  If travel arrangements require a Saturday arrival, please coordinate travel with activity staff prior to making reservations.

• Drop-off by Parent/Guardian/CAP Senior Member – Drop off at the main entrance of ASCTE, 229 Wynn Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805 NLT 1400 (central) on Date TBD

Staff Training

• All staff are required to attend training on Date TBD at 1300 (Central)