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Discover Aerospace (DA)

Giant rockets thundering into space carrying astronauts to new worlds, or rocket motors smaller than a postage stamp. Clouds of tiny unmanned airplanes gathering climate data. Rovers with wheels that change shape depending on the planetary surface. Airliners that make no more noise than a big truck and drones delivering good or carrying humans. The future of space and aviation technology is exciting, challenging, and fun – and now’s your chance to get a feel of what it’s like to be a part of it!

MIT’s AeroAstro Department invites you to join us for Discover Aerospace, an introduction to aeronautics and astronautics. First, you’ll learn basic glider and rocket design, then you’ll work with amazing DA mentors to design, build, and test your own rocket. You’ll visit our space and aviation research labs as well as a couple of local companies; discover unique opportunities for undergraduate research and internships; learn about the Course 16 major requirements, and various student clubs, in which first-years can be involved; and receive advice from current students and faculty.

Questions to think about:

  • What would you say is the biggest hurdle to traveling to the nearest possibly habitable planet in another solar system (~12 light years away), and how do you think we can overcome it?
  • Given a budget of about $50, make a lawn chair fly. (Don’t worry too much about the specific prices of things.)

Dates: Tuesday, August 19 – Saturday, August 23, 2025
Space available: 35
Cost: $0