This summer, a new generation of aerospace explorers will get an up-close look at careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the 2025 Junior Test Pilot School
Hosted by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Flight Test Museum Foundation, the six-week program launches in Palmdale, California, and will offer an immersive, hands-on experience for elementary-aged students.
Discovery and innovation
Running weekdays from June 16 to July 25, the program is held at two iconic aerospace locations: Blackbird Airpark and Joe Davies Heritage Airpark. These historic sites house legendary aircraft like the A-12, SR-71 Blackbird, U-2 spy plane, F-86 Sabre, and NASA’s modified Boeing 747 Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Students will engage directly with these engineering marvels, learning what makes them unique and how they contributed to aviation history.
The program is free and available through participating school districts and the Flight Test Museum, making it accessible to families throughout the Antelope Valley. With the region being one of the nation’s most concentrated areas for STEM careers, the Junior Test Pilot School aims to ignite interest and build foundational skills in aerospace fields from an early age.
Engaging curriculum with real-world impact
The curriculum is based on authentic NASA-designed modules. It encompasses eight core topics: flight principles, stealth engineering, altitude effects, speed and G-force, payload impact, maneuverability, reconnaissance design, and jet engine systems. Through these modules, students learn how aircraft are designed, built, and tested and why certain designs perform better under specific conditions.
The program goes beyond classroom learning. Each student becomes a “junior test pilot,” stepping into the role of an engineer, pilot, or scientist to analyse aircraft and develop innovative solutions to complex aerospace challenges.
Hands-on engineering
In collaboration with NASA Armstrong’s Aero Fair program, students will also tackle the Wildfire Design Challenge. Guided by a NASA volunteer, they will follow the engineering design process to create and build a prototype aerial vehicle designed to suppress wildfires. This hands-on challenge helps participants understand real-world applications of aerospace technology and promotes teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
Career exposure
The Junior Test Pilot School is supported by the City of Palmdale and major aerospace industry sponsors, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. These partners provide funding, volunteers, and opportunities for career exploration. Throughout the program, students will meet and interact with engineers, scientists, and test pilots, offering a behind-the-scenes look at aerospace careers in action
By connecting students directly with professionals and exposing them to cutting-edge technologies, the program helps plant the seeds for future careers in aerospace and other STEM fields.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center is a leader in aeronautics innovation and STEM workforce development. Through educational programs like Junior Test Pilot School and Aero Fair, Armstrong is building a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers, and pilots.
Meanwhile, the Flight Test Museum Foundation continues to honor aerospace heritage while inspiring future generations.
