OBAP
EXPLORE AEROSPACE
Each Saturday for 12 weeks
September 19 - December 12, 2026
Explore Aerospace - Session 6: Introduction to Space: Rocket Science, kicks off on Saturday, September 19th, and will be held virtually, each Saturday for students in 6th - 12th grade from 12 to 1 PM Eastern Time.
Registration for this session is $175 per student.
Registration opens August 3rd, 2026 for the Fall Session.
This 12-week virtual course exposes students to coursework that will immerse them in many topics about rockets, their mechanics and look towards the future of spaceflight. Students will learn about the history of space travel, elementary and advanced rocketry, orbital mechanics, aerodynamics, and more. They will learn from experts in the aeronautics and astronautics field throughout the semester. Guest speakers that have worked on spacecraft and in research will also join to increase the students to enhance their experience in the course.
Students will have homework, quizzes, and projects to complete throughout the semester on our online learning platform. Classes are hosted on Saturdays on Class for Zoom.
Meet the Team
Mark Reese
Theresa Withing
David Dorsey
Alexandra Philip
Overview
OBAP’s exciting new Explore Aerospace (EA) program gives students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of aviation and aerospace through a hands-on STEM-based curriculum on a virtual platform. Over 12 weeks, students will learn from industry professionals, about the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and aerospace careers, meet guest speakers, go on virtual tours and so much more! We currently rotate between 5 courses each semester and are looking forward to offering offline learning soon where students can proceed at their own pace. The courses include:
- Introduction to Private Pilot Fundamentals
- Introduction to Space: The Solar System
- Introduction to Space: Rocket Science
- Introduction to Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS or Drones)
- Introduction to Aviation Maintenance
- Introduction to Aviation Careers
Each session will be facilitated by an Explore Aerospace Instructor. Materials and educational resources used for this virtual experience consist of activity workbooks and interactive presentations. Upon successful completion, Explore Aerospace students will receive a one-year OBAP student membership, which includes opportunities to apply for OBAP scholarships and early bird notification for OBAP programs and partner opportunities such as ACE Academy, Solo Flight Academy, webinars, Tuskegee NEXT, USAF AIM High Flight Academy, etc.
Application Process
The application fee is $175 for all participants. Need-based fee waivers are available on a case-by-case basis.
Applications will be screened and processed on a first-come, first-served basis until all 200 available slots have been filled.
Applicants must submit a completed online Explore Aerospace Program application to be considered.
Admission Requirements
Admission is offered to students in grades 6-12 who are interested in learning more about aviation and aerospace.
High standards of behavior and self-discipline are expected, and students must abide by all academy regulations.
Register for Explore Aerospace
If you are a returning Explore Aerospace parent or participant, please login to our application software with your previous credentials. You will use the blue Login button.
If you are a new parent or participant, please register with the fields below.
Required items for a completed application:
- 1000 Character (not word) Essay from your student on why they would like to participate in Explore Aerospace
- Unofficial Transcripts from your student’s school or homeschool program
- School Address
This year, we are offering a limited number of fee waivers for each Explore Aerospace. To be considered for a fee waiver, students must meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria.
You're eligible for fee waivers if you say "yes" to any of the following:
- Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- You're enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., Federal TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home or are homeless.
- You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
Contact the Explore Aerospace Team
Have questions, contact the Explore Aerospace team.
Organization of
Black Aerospace Professionals
is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
8450 Terminal Dr.
Olive Branch Ms 38654