Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Texas Aerospace Scholars Junior Experience, a NASA STEM education programme designed for high school juniors in Texas who want to explore aerospace, engineering, science and technology while engaging directly with NASA scientists and engineers.

The Texas Aerospace Scholars programme, commonly known as TAS and formerly called High School Aerospace Scholars or HAS, provides eligible Texas students with a structured pathway to explore real-world STEM concepts while learning how those subjects connect with NASA missions and careers in the aerospace industry.

The Junior Experience is a year-long commitment beginning with an online learning programme called Launch Pad. Students develop transferable skills in areas including:

• Coding
• Computer-aided design
• Engineering
• Earth science
• Space exploration
• Technology
• Collaborative problem-solving

Students who perform strongly during Launch Pad may be invited to the next stage, a five-day virtual challenge called Moonshot, where participants work in teams with support from NASA scientists and engineers to develop an Artemis-inspired mission to the Moon and Mars. The highest-performing Moonshot teams may then be invited to Base Camp, an in-person residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

The programme is open only to students who meet specific requirements. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Texas, enrolled as juniors in a Texas high school, interested in STEM, able to access the internet and prepared to complete the online course requirements.

The application window runs from:

July 1 to September 16, 2026

Students must complete their application through NASA STEM Gateway.

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What Is the Texas Aerospace Scholars Programme?

Texas Aerospace Scholars is a NASA educational initiative that gives Texas high school students an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics through activities connected with actual aerospace research and exploration.

Rather than introducing STEM only through traditional classroom lessons, TAS incorporates:

• NASA mission concepts
• Engineering challenges
• Interactive online learning
• Teamwork
• Career exploration
• Contact with NASA scientists and engineers

The Junior Experience is specifically designed for students who are currently entering or enrolled in their junior year of high school.

The programme aims to help students understand how subjects studied in school connect with careers in:

• Aerospace
• Engineering
• Science
• Technology
• Space exploration
• Computer-aided design
• Related STEM industries

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Texas Aerospace Scholars Junior Experience

The TAS Junior Experience is not simply a short summer programme.

It is described by NASA as a year-long commitment during which students progress through several stages.

The pathway begins with:

1. Launch Pad
2. Moonshot
3. Base Camp

Not every participant automatically progresses through every stage.

Students begin with Launch Pad, and later opportunities depend on performance.

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Stage 1: Launch Pad Online Course

The first stage of the Junior Experience is:

Launch Pad

Launch Pad is an online course beginning in the fall.

Students work through four mission-inspired modules involving subjects connected with:

• Earth science
• Space exploration
• Technology
• Engineering concepts

NASA designed the modules to help participants see how STEM knowledge is applied to challenges associated with space exploration.

The official 2026–2027 calendar shows that the Launch Pad online course runs from:

September 28, 2026 to March 6, 2027.

Because the programme is online during this stage, students need reliable access to the internet through:

• Home
• School
• Public library

or another available source.

Internet access is specifically listed as an eligibility requirement.

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Four Engineering Design Challenges

Launch Pad includes a series of engineering design challenges during the academic year.

For the 2026–2027 programme, the currently published dates are:

• Engineering Design Challenge #1: November 7, 2026
• Engineering Design Challenge #2: December 5, 2026
• Engineering Design Challenge #3: January 23, 2027
• Engineering Design Challenge #4: February 27, 2027

These challenges allow students to move beyond reading about aerospace concepts and begin applying problem-solving and engineering principles themselves.

The programme may therefore be especially useful for students considering future study in fields such as:

• Aerospace engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Computer science
• Physics
• Earth science
• Robotics
• Space science
• Other STEM fields

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Coding and Computer-Aided Design Skills

One of the distinguishing features of the TAS Junior Experience is that students build practical and transferable skills.

NASA specifically identifies:

• Coding
• Computer-aided design, or CAD
• Engineering

as areas in which Junior Experience participants develop skills.

These abilities can be valuable well beyond aerospace.

For example, CAD is widely used in:

• Engineering
• Product development
• Manufacturing
• Architecture
• Aerospace design
• Mechanical systems

Coding also plays a growing role in scientific research, engineering analysis, aerospace systems and technology development.

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Stage 2: Moonshot Virtual Summer Experience

Students who demonstrate high achievement during the online programme may be invited to:

Moonshot

Moonshot is a:

Five-day virtual summer challenge

Participants work in teams while receiving mentorship from NASA scientists and engineers.

The challenge is themed around NASA’s Artemis programme, with students working collaboratively to develop a mission concept involving exploration of:

• The Moon
• Mars

NASA’s programme description emphasizes teamwork and mission planning rather than individual competition alone.

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Moonshot Dates for 2027

The current programme schedule identifies two potential Moonshot weeks:

Week 1: May 31–June 4, 2027

or

Week 2: June 7–11, 2027

Selection for Moonshot is expected in:

April 2027.

Students should therefore understand that participation in the Junior Experience can continue well beyond the school-year online course.

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What Students Do During Moonshot

During Moonshot, participants work collaboratively to develop an Artemis-themed mission to the Moon and Mars.

The experience allows students to practice:

• Teamwork
• Engineering thinking
• Problem-solving
• Mission planning
• Technical communication
• Collaborative decision-making

The involvement of NASA scientists and engineers also gives participants exposure to professionals working within aerospace and STEM careers.

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Stage 3: Base Camp at NASA Johnson Space Center

The highest-performing Moonshot teams may receive invitations to:

Base Camp

Unlike Launch Pad and Moonshot, Base Camp is a:

Residential experience

held at:

NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, NASA’s current schedule lists:

July 25–30, 2027

for the residential experience.

This means top-performing students can progress from an online statewide programme to an in-person NASA experience.

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Why NASA Johnson Space Center Matters

NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is closely associated with American human spaceflight.

For students interested in aerospace careers, participating in a residential activity connected with the Center can provide important exposure to the environment surrounding NASA’s work.

However, applicants should understand that Base Camp is not guaranteed to every student admitted to Launch Pad.

The pathway is selective:

Launch Pad → high achievement → Moonshot → top team selection → Base Camp

This distinction is important when describing the programme.

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Who Is Eligible for the TAS Junior Experience?

NASA publishes several mandatory eligibility requirements.

Applicants must satisfy all of them.

1. U.S. Citizenship

Applicants must be:

U.S. citizens.

This means the programme is not open generally to international students studying temporarily in Texas if they do not hold U.S. citizenship.

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2. Texas Residency

Applicants must be:

Residents of Texas.

This is a statewide programme specifically designed for Texas students.

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3. Texas High School Junior

Applicants must be:

Enrolled as a junior in a Texas high school.

The programme is therefore not open to:

• High school freshmen
• High school sophomores applying outside the specified transition requirements
• College students
• Students who have already graduated from high school

The application transcript must demonstrate the student’s current school status.

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Are Homeschool Students Eligible?

Yes.

NASA specifically states that students may attend different types of schools, including:

• Homeschool
• Public school
• Private school
• Charter school
• Online school

The important requirement is that the school must be based in Texas.

NASA may request proof of enrollment.

This makes the programme accessible to students across several different education models.

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STEM Interest Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate interest in:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

NASA does not require students already to be experts in aerospace engineering.

The programme is designed partly to help students explore STEM pathways.

Therefore, students who are curious about aerospace or science but are still deciding what they may want to study after high school can still potentially be strong applicants.

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Internet Access Requirement

Applicants must have access to the internet through:

• Home
• School
• Public library

or another suitable location.

This requirement exists because the core Launch Pad component is completed online.

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Programme Commitment

Applicants must commit to completing the online course in order to qualify for Moonshot.

NASA’s FAQ further describes participants as needing to commit to the programme duration, including the virtual summer experience.

Students should therefore consider their academic and extracurricular schedule before applying.

This is not simply a single online seminar or one-day NASA event.

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Application Window

The Junior Experience application window is:

July 1–September 16, 2026.

Students who meet the requirements should submit well before the closing date to reduce the risk of technical difficulties.

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How to Apply for Texas Aerospace Scholars

Applications are completed through:

NASA STEM Gateway

NASA outlines several application steps.

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Step 1: Create or Access a NASA STEM Gateway Account

Applicants must either:

• Log into an existing NASA STEM Gateway profile, or
• Create a customized profile

The STEM Gateway provides access to NASA education and STEM opportunities.

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Step 2: Find the TAS Launch Pad Opportunity

Once logged in, students should visit the:

TAS Launch Pad Opportunity Page

The opportunity is accessible only while the application window is active.

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Step 3: Upload a Texas High School Transcript

Applicants must upload a transcript from a:

Texas high school.

The transcript should:

• Clearly show the student’s name
• Match the name registered on the NASA STEM Gateway account
• Demonstrate that the applicant is currently enrolled as a junior or has completed sophomore year

Students should therefore check their transcript before submitting.

If the name on their STEM Gateway profile differs from the name shown on the school transcript, they should resolve the discrepancy before completing the application.

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Step 4: Complete the Expression of Interest Essay

Applicants must complete an:

Expression of Interest essay

NASA states that this essay may be shared with:

State legislators.

Students should therefore treat this as an important part of the application.

The essay is an opportunity to communicate:

• Why STEM interests them
• Why they want to participate in TAS
• What they hope to learn
• How NASA or aerospace relates to their goals
• What qualities they would bring to the programme

Applicants should answer authentically rather than trying to imitate highly technical aerospace writing.

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Step 5: Submit the Application

After completing all required components, applicants should click:

Apply

in the upper-right corner of the opportunity page and complete the submission process.

Students should verify that all required materials have been successfully uploaded before considering the application complete.

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Orientation Dates

Students selected for the programme should be aware of two scheduled orientation dates:

• September 22, 2026 – Student Orientation #1
• September 24, 2026 – Student Orientation #2

These occur shortly before Launch Pad begins on September 28.

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Complete 2026–2027 Programme Timeline

The published timeline currently includes the following dates:

NASA states that these dates are subject to change.

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Information Sessions

NASA scheduled several information sessions during the application period.

The programme page indicates sessions on:

• July 21, 2026
• August 20, 2026
• August 29, 2026
• September 2, 2026

There was also a special session for teachers and administrators on:

August 6, 2026.

Recordings or current joining information should be checked through the official NASA programme page.

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What Skills Can Students Develop?

The TAS Junior Experience provides opportunities to strengthen several transferable skills.

Engineering Skills

Students work through engineering-oriented activities and design challenges that encourage them to move from abstract concepts toward practical solutions.

Coding

Coding experience can help students build computational thinking and become more comfortable with technology-focused problem-solving.

Computer-Aided Design

CAD introduces students to digital design tools used widely across engineering and technical industries.

Teamwork

Moonshot involves collaborative mission planning, requiring participants to:

• Share responsibilities
• Communicate ideas
• Evaluate alternatives
• Solve problems collectively

Communication

Participants also need to explain technical ideas clearly and participate in collaborative discussions.

Time Management

Because Launch Pad runs alongside the normal academic year, students must balance the programme with:

• School
• Homework
• Exams
• Extracurricular activities

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Exploring STEM Careers

A major objective of the programme is helping students understand how their interests connect with aerospace and broader STEM careers.

Students may gain a clearer understanding of fields including:

• Engineering
• Earth science
• Space exploration
• Technology
• Aerospace
• Computer science
• Scientific research

This exposure can be valuable before students begin applying to universities and deciding on potential majors.

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Direct Engagement With NASA Professionals

A particularly distinctive component of TAS is the opportunity to interact with:

NASA scientists and engineers.

High-achieving students selected for Moonshot receive mentorship from NASA professionals while completing the Artemis-themed summer challenge.

For high school students, this can provide a clearer picture of what professional STEM work actually involves.

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Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

1. Do Not Wait Until September 16

The programme requires:

• NASA STEM Gateway registration
• Transcript upload
• Essay completion
• Formal application submission

Completing everything early gives applicants time to resolve any technical or documentation problems.

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2. Check Your Transcript

Make sure:

• Your name is visible
• The name matches your Gateway account
• Your grade-level status is clear

NASA specifically identifies these requirements.

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3. Make the Essay Personal

Do not write only:

“I like NASA and space.”

Instead, explain what actually interests you.

You might discuss:

• An engineering challenge you enjoyed
• A science class that influenced you
• A coding project
• Curiosity about space exploration
• An interest in solving complex problems
• A future STEM career you want to explore

A concrete example can make the response much stronger.

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4. Show Willingness to Learn

You do not need to arrive already knowing how to design spacecraft.

The programme exists to help students develop STEM skills.

A strong application can communicate curiosity, commitment and willingness to challenge yourself.

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5. Understand the Time Commitment

The Junior Experience extends from fall 2026 through potentially summer 2027.

Students should make sure they can commit to completing Launch Pad and, if selected, the later stages.

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Application Checklist

Before submitting, students should confirm that they:

1. Are U.S. citizens.
2. Are Texas residents.
3. Are enrolled as juniors in a Texas high school.
4. Have an interest in STEM.
5. Have reliable internet access.
6. Can commit to the online programme.
7. Have created a NASA STEM Gateway profile.
8. Have uploaded the required Texas high school transcript.
9. Have completed the Expression of Interest essay.
10. Have submitted the application by September 16, 2026.

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Important Details at a Glance

Programme: Texas Aerospace Scholars Junior Experience

Common abbreviation: TAS

Organization: NASA

Application cycle: 2026–2027

Target group: Texas high school juniors

Citizenship requirement: U.S. citizenship

Residency requirement: Texas

Primary format: Online, followed by selective virtual and residential experiences

Launch Pad: September 28, 2026–March 6, 2027

Moonshot: Five-day virtual summer experience for high-achieving participants

Base Camp: Residential experience for top teams at NASA Johnson Space Center

Base Camp location: Houston, Texas

Skills: Coding, CAD, engineering and STEM problem-solving

Application platform: NASA STEM Gateway

Application period: July 1–September 16, 2026

Deadline: September 16, 2026

Official information:
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/texas-aerospace-scholars/

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Conclusion

The NASA Texas Aerospace Scholars Junior Experience 2026–2027 provides Texas high school juniors with an exceptional opportunity to explore STEM through a year-long programme connected directly to NASA.

Students begin with Launch Pad, an online course covering mission-inspired topics in Earth science, space exploration and technology while developing practical skills in coding, computer-aided design and engineering.

High-achieving participants may progress to Moonshot, a five-day virtual challenge in which teams work with NASA scientists and engineers to plan an Artemis-themed mission involving the Moon and Mars. The strongest teams may then be invited to Base Camp, an in-person residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Texas residents and Texas high school juniors. They must also demonstrate an interest in STEM, have internet access and commit to completing the online programme.

Homeschool, public, private, charter and online-school students can qualify as long as their school is based in Texas and they otherwise meet programme requirements.

Applications are submitted through NASA STEM Gateway and require a qualifying Texas high school transcript and an Expression of Interest essay.

The application deadline for the 2026–2027 TAS Junior Experience is September 16, 2026.

 

To get more information about this opportunity, VISIT HERE.

 

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