Texas Aerospace Scholars
Texas Aerospace Scholars, or TAS, (formerly High School Aerospace Scholars/HAS) offers Texas high school students a unique opportunity to explore STEM concepts and discover how their interests connect to real NASA work. Through interactive online lessons, engineering design challenges, and opportunities to collaborate with NASA professionals, students deepen their understanding of space exploration and develop practical STEM skills. TAS supports students as they explore potential aerospace and STEM pathways, and become part of a statewide community of curious, motivated learners.
2026-2027 Junior Application Window
July 1 – Sept. 16, 2026
event location
Virtual. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Eligibility
U.S Citizens
Texas Residents
Grade levels
High School Juniors and Seniors
Junior Experience
The TAS Junior Experience is a year-long commitment for high school juniors in which students engage directly with NASA scientists and engineers while building transferable skills in coding, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering, and exploring STEM careers in the aerospace industry.
The Junior Experience starts in the fall with Launch Pad, an online course in which students explore four mission-inspired modules that cover topics from Earth science, space exploration, and technology. High achieving students are invited to participate in a five-day virtual summer challenge, Moonshot, mentored by NASA scientists and engineers. During the summer experience, students work in teams to plan an Artemis-themed mission to the Moon and Mars. The top teams are invited to attend Base Camp, a residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.
Senior Experience
The TAS Senior Experience is a six-month commitment for high school seniors in which students engage directly with NASA scientists and engineers while learning about the relationship between manufacturing and the engineering design process.
The Senior Experience begins with Ignition, an online course where students explore topics in aerospace manufacturing, engineering, and other areas related to human spaceflight and the development of lunar surface infrastructure. The highest achieving students will be invited to participate in Flight Path, a five‑day virtual summer challenge, in which students work in teams to design a component inspired by real challenges NASA faces in building a sustainable lunar presence.
Top‑scoring teams are then invited to Slingshot, a residential experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where they manufacture prototypes, participate in exclusive behind the scenes tours, and showcase their designs to NASA professionals.
Educator Opportunities
Texas Aerospace Scholars offers paid opportunities for passionate educators throughout the year. Participating educators will guide and inspire the next generation of innovators in space exploration.
Program Timeline
| Junior Experience | Senior Experience | |
| Application Window | Late Summer – September | TBD |
| Online Course | End of September – Mid March | TBD |
| Summer Virtual Experience | First two weeks of June | Second week of June |
| Onsite Residential Experience | Last week of July | Second week of July |
Featured News
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars: A Launchpad for Future Innovators
High School Aerospace Scholars Launches Dreams, Inspires the Artemis Generation
High School Aerospace Scholars Propel STEM Leaders Forward
NASA Celebrates 25 Years of High School Aerospace Scholars
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Texas Aerospace Scholars, please send us an email. We’d love to hear from you!
jsc-has@mail.nasa.gov
