Physics & Astronomy Summer Course
Recently closed
Cambridge summer study in physics and astronomy.
Space & physics
03 Aug 2026
From £6295
14-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students seeking more academic physics alongside space topics.
In-person Programme
Aerospace Academy
by Envision
A hands-on aerospace engineering programme combining rocket design, high-altitude balloon missions, simulations and industry insight.
Last verified: 21 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Programme
Aerospace Academy
by Envision
A hands-on aerospace engineering programme combining rocket design, high-altitude balloon missions, simulations and industry insight.
Last verified: 21 Aug 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
What Succeed checks
We review public programme details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Programme dates, prices and availability can still change.
How official sources are used
Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.
Why some dates are reference dates
If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.
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Aerospace Academy programme at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
High school students
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Houston, United States
Cost
$6999
Duration
12 days
Format
In-person
EngineeringSpace & physics
Accommodation: Rice University dorms
Meals: One meal daily
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of Achievement
Campus experience: Labs, tours and team activities
Tutors / faculty: Rice faculty; aerospace professionals
Aerospace Academy programme summary
Aerospace Academy is an immersive pre-college experience built around practical flight and space-engineering challenges rather than classroom lectures alone.
Students work in teams on a high-altitude balloon payload, model rockets, simulations and specialist workshops, then document their progress in a final Mission Documentary.
It particularly suits students who want to test their interest in aerospace through making, testing, presenting and meeting university and industry specialists.
What is Aerospace Academy?
Aerospace Academy is an Envision by WorldStrides pre-college programme focused on flight technology, propulsion and engineering design. Students learn through practical laboratories, simulations and collaborative projects led by aerospace engineers, Rice faculty and visiting specialists.
The experience takes place at Rice University and extends beyond campus through visits connected to aviation and space exploration. Its central projects include a high-altitude balloon payload, model-rocket development and a documentary that records each team's learning journey.
Why Succeed highlights Aerospace Academy programme
Students progress from design and calculations to testing and live launches, giving the engineering work a clear practical arc.
The programme connects aerospace theory with weather balloons, rockets, drones, circuits, CAD and 3D printing.
Visits to Space Center Houston and the Lone Star Flight Museum add direct context beyond campus laboratories.
Rice faculty, NASA-linked professionals and aerospace speakers offer several perspectives on study and careers.
The Mission Documentary gives students a reflective portfolio output alongside their technical builds.
Who is Aerospace Academy programme for?
Best for
Curious high school students who enjoy collaborative STEM projects and want to test an interest in aerospace, aviation, mechanical engineering or space systems.
Not ideal if
You prefer self-paced online study, dislike intensive team projects or do not want a residential campus experience.
Is Aerospace Academy programme worth it?
The programme offers unusually varied practical exposure: students design payloads, test rockets, use CAD, visit aerospace sites and speak with specialists. That breadth can help a student decide whether aerospace engineering genuinely fits their interests while producing concrete work to reflect on later.
Its value depends on active participation rather than the campus name alone. Families should also budget beyond tuition for travel, meals not included, spending money and any optional shuttle or protection products.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$6999; includes Curriculum and instruction, Programme activities, visits and events, Residential accommodation, Programme materials, One meal per day, Certificate of Achievement, Local programme transportation, College credit costs where applicable.
Accommodation
Rice University dorms
Meals
One meal daily
Provider details
Review the Envision provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
12 days; Houston, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programmesHow much preparation does Aerospace Academy programme need?
Effort level
High, with full residential days and sustained team projects.
Best started
Begin at least six weeks before your intended session to prepare essays, mentor details, funding and travel arrangements.
Main challenge
Turning a team design into a tested payload or rocket while documenting the process.
Typical preparation
Review the programme's aerospace themes and note the areas you most want to explore.
Draft both admissions essays early and ask your mentor before submitting their details.
Plan travel only after official enrolment confirmation.
Prepare questions for faculty, astronauts and industry speakers so their sessions are useful.
Useful if
You enjoy practical problem-solving and can contribute reliably to a team.
What do students do on Aerospace Academy programme?
Students move through a sequence of aerospace design, testing and communication activities, supported by talks, campus experiences and specialist visits.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Join an advisor group, complete orientation and explore Rice University campus life.
- 2
Learn foundations in aerodynamics, rocketry, satellite systems, orbital mechanics and space weather.
- 3
Design, build, test and launch a high-altitude weather-balloon payload as a team.
- 4
Plan, prototype, adjust and launch model rockets.
- 5
Use mini drones, circuits, autonomous-flight programming, CAD and 3D printing in workshops.
- 6
Visit Space Center Houston and the Lone Star Flight Museum.
- 7
Film, edit and present a Mission Documentary reflecting on the experience.
Aerospace Academy programme dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Succeed does not have a separately listed public date for this cycle yet.
Eligibility and requirements
High school students
Interest in aerospace, aviation or related engineering
No prior aerospace experience required
Minimum 3.0 GPA for high school applicants
Two application essays of 200-500 words
Mentor name required for the application
How much does Aerospace Academy programme cost?
Programme tuition
Not announced
Funding or discounts
- Typical scholarships: $250-$750 — Selected candidates may receive full tuition.
- Payment plans: Available — Pay in full or monthly where offered.
What's included
Curriculum and instruction, Programme activities, visits and events, Residential accommodation, Programme materials, One meal per day, Certificate of Achievement, Local programme transportation, College credit costs where applicable
How to apply to Aerospace Academy programme
- 1
Complete the Envision application for Aerospace Academy.
- 2
Provide two short essays of 200-500 words explaining your fit and intended impact.
- 3
Supply the name of a teacher, counsellor, coach or other mentor.
- 4
Meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement for high school applicants.
- 5
Wait for the admissions decision, then complete enrolment if accepted.
- 6
Use the participant portal to complete mandatory travel and information forms.
What does Aerospace Academy programme cover?
The programme covers the following focus areas.
Flight and rocketry
Study aerodynamics, propulsion, rocket stability and live-launch refinement.
Atmospheric payload mission
Design, calculate, test and launch a weather-balloon experiment.
Satellite and orbital systems
Explore satellite operations, orbital mechanics and space weather.
Robotics and digital design
Work with drones, circuits, autonomous flight, CAD and 3D printing.
Communication and reflection
Practise public speaking and produce a Mission Documentary.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Aerospace Academy programme?
A typical day during the programme.
Arrival and foundations
Orientation, campus exploration, aerodynamics, rocketry and documentary planning.
Payload mission
Teams design, calculate, test and launch a weather-balloon payload.
Visits and rocket build
NASA and museum visits accompany robotics, CAD and rocket prototyping.
Showcase and departure
Students complete launches, present documentaries, receive certificates and depart.
Who teaches on Aerospace Academy programme?
Aerospace engineers and Rice University faculty support the academic experience, while speakers and workshop contributors include astronauts, NASA-connected professionals and specialists from the space industry. Programme advisors facilitate classroom groups and residential activities.
The provider states that specific speakers may vary between sessions.
Where do students stay on Aerospace Academy programme?
Residential plan
- Rice dormitories: Students live on campus and use Rice University learning spaces.
- Meals: Residential tuition includes one meal per day.
- Pastoral supervision: Staff rooms are distributed among student rooms, with nightly checks.
- Campus activities: Evenings include team time, games, reflection and social activities.
- Local excursions: The sample itinerary includes Space Center Houston, a flight museum and Kemah Boardwalk.
Rooms generally house two to four students, each with their own bed and a shared bathroom.
What happens after Aerospace Academy programme?
After completing this programme, participants often pursue:
Use the Mission Documentary as a reflective portfolio piece.
Build evidence of practical aerospace design and prototyping.
Gain a Certificate of Achievement.
Clarify interest in aerospace, mechanical engineering, aviation or space systems.
Use faculty and professional insights to explore relevant study and career paths.
Participation supports exploration and reflection but does not guarantee admission to a university course or career pathway.
Where does Aerospace Academy programme take place?
The programme is based at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where students stay in dormitories and use campus laboratories. The sample itinerary also connects the campus experience with Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center, the Lone Star Flight Museum and Kemah Boardwalk.
Individual visits and locations may change between sessions.
Aerospace Academy programme FAQs
It is a residential pre-college programme combining engineering challenges, team projects, campus living, specialist talks and aerospace-related visits. Students spend much of the experience designing, testing and presenting practical work.
No. The programme states that no prior experience is required; curiosity, STEM interest and readiness for an immersive team environment are more important.
Projects include a high-altitude balloon payload, model-rocket design and launches, robotics and CAD activities, and a Mission Documentary presented to peers.
The experience involves aerospace engineers, Rice University faculty, programme advisors and speakers from NASA and the wider space industry. Specific speakers may vary.
Students stay in dormitories at Rice University. General Envision accommodation guidance says rooms house two to four students, each with their own bed and shared bathroom facilities.
Trained advisors, chaperones, security and operations staff supervise the residential programme. Measures include attendance checks, nightly room checks and an overall student-to-staff ratio of 8:1.
Envision lists instruction, activities, visits, housing, materials, one meal per day, a Certificate of Achievement and local programme transportation. Travel to Houston and meals not provided are separate.
Envision offers limited scholarships, fundraising support and payment options. Most scholarships are partial awards of $250-$750, with selected full-tuition awards.
Alternatives to Aerospace Academy programme
Compare these published Succeed programmes if you want a different balance of aerospace theory, engineering depth, location or age range.
Alternatives to Aerospace Academy programme
View details
Residential engineering study in Cambridge.
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £4495
13-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students still deciding between different engineering disciplines.
Engineering course based at St Catharine's College.
Engineering
Deadline: Not announced
From £3195
15-17
St Catharine's College, Cambridge, UK
In-person
Best for
Students wanting a compact university-based engineering experience.
Explores methods and questions defining modern science.
Space & physics
Deadline: Not announced
Cost not listed
11-16
Wimborne
In-person
Best for
Younger students exploring science before choosing a specialism.
Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programmesContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, programme quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Full Refund Program | Envision Experience
- Student Health & Safety | Envision by WorldStrides Pre-College Programs
- Scholarships & Grants for Envision Programs | Envision
- Experiential Learning Program FAQs | Envision
- Rice University Aerospace Academy for High School Students | Envision by WorldStrides
- Aerospace Academy Monthly Payment Plan | Envision by WorldStrides
- Rice University Aerospace Academy for High School Students | Envision by WorldStrides
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 21 Aug 2026)
Programme details checked
Eligibility reviewed
Location verified
Sample itinerary reviewed
Residential inclusions checked
Funding guidance reviewed
Safety measures checked
How Succeed uses this information
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