Space Operations Academy

Use the following course numbers to verify you are selecting the correct activity in the eServices “Preferences” tab of your application.  Activities appear alphabetically, but will have the course number next to them in the tab.  You can download a sortable spreadsheet on the ncsas.com homepage for a complete listing of activity preference numbers. If you can't see the course number on your device, try changing the zoom on the page.

Financial Support: Go to the eServices CadetInvest Module and apply for Cadet Lift and Take-Off Program Cadet (TOP), to be considered for needs-based financial assistance or NCSA scholarships.  Also apply for flight scholarships. These programs are designed to offset costs associated with attending some NCSAs, as well as flight academies. They include payment of your activity fees and transportation to and from the activity.  Go to the CadetInvest pages for more details. Deadline to apply for scholarships and financial assistance is 31 December. 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.  

Contact for Activity: emarzano@ilwg.cap.gov

Activity Website (if applicable): https://www.facebook.com/afspaceflcap/

How to Apply:

Use the "Apply Online" link here or on the ncsas.com homepage to connect you to eServices' Registration and Payment System.  Applicants will need to complete the application to include uploading the following documents in PDF format to the supplemental tab of their eServices application.  All staff must apply via eServices, or they will not receive credit for the activity in their records. For staff applicants, you will be contacted to let you know whether or not you have not been selected. Applications will be accepted from 1 December onward.  To be considered for priority placement status, the completed application including supplemental documents must be submitted by 15 January.  Applications submitted after 15 January are accepted but are marked "late" and will be considered AFTER all applications submitted before the deadline. Priority timelines do not apply to staff applications. In addition, accomplish the following:

Participant: No additional application instructions

Staff:

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members: In addition to applying in eServices, send resume to emarzano@ilwg.cap.gov

Eligibility Requirements:

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

Participants:
Age 15 by activity start date
Completed encampment and recorded in eServices by time of application
Possess the Wright Brothers when you apply
Must be U.S. citizens to attend this event

Staff:
Cadets: N/A

Senior Members: Level 1 Complete

Graduation Requirements:

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

Travel:

Activity Staff will provide transportation between Orlando International Airport (MCO) only and the activity location.  If you coordinate prior to making travel plans by train on bus, staff may be able to assist you in getting to the activity site from the following locations: Amtrak service to Orlando and Greyhound to Rockledge, FL. 

Required Staff Training on TBD at TBD

Activity Goal:

Since 1994, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) has sponsored two Civil Air Patrol (CAP) special activities, one at Patrick AFB in Florida and one at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs to showcase AFSPC roles and missions for CAP cadets (age 15-21).  With the stand-up of the US Space Force, these courses continue under the new activity name, Space Force Operations Academy (SFOA).

The purpose of the academy is to expose cadets to potential government, military, and civilian careers that support Space Force operations. Cadets are also exposed to ideals of leadership and service through aerospace education and training. Attendees are CAP cadets who are interested in aerospace careers and/or military service. 

Each of the courses has a different focus. Cadets that choose the Space Force Operations Academy at Patrick SFB will experience “behind the scenes” tours, briefings and expert guest speakers on the various aspects of US missions and roles in space. Cadets will get first-hand opportunities to meet the many talented men and women of the Space Launch Delta (SLD) 45 and NASA supporting the exciting business of space launch and exploration.

In past years, cadets have visited the Morrell Operations Center where all launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are controlled and tracked, toured historical launch sites from the Mercury and Apollo programs, seen spacecraft being prepared for launch, and taken exclusive tours of Delta, Falcon, and Atlas rockets on the launch pad.

In addition, cadets will visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center where they will be able to go inside the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building where elements of the new Space Launch System will be prepared for flight.

Before attending this course, we recommend you...
Review the concepts discussed in Aerospace: Journey of Flight parts 5 & 6 and Aerospace Dimensions modules 4, 5 & 6.
Complete the requirements for the “Cadet Rocketry Badge” if offered at your unit.