Academy Info
Are You Ready to Become a Cadet and Blast Off with Us?
Since 1990 the Delaware Aerospace Academy has provided hands-on training and experiences in aerospace-related activities and fields. Girls and boys in grades 2 - 10 are continually challenged to think, design, solve, build, and work cooperatively in STEM-focused programs using Earth and Space themes as the unifying framework.
Talented experts in a cooperative learning experience supplement our excellent staff of teachers and young people. Lessons focus on applied learning through problem-solving. Students learn in small groups, emphasizing the teamwork necessary in the real world. Individual Academies are described below.
2026 Delaware Aerospace Academies
(Click to Expand for Details)
Destination Discovery
In Destination Discovery, a.k.a. Creatures Under the Sea to Dinosaurs on Land, Children will set out on an imaginary voyage under and above the ocean and then discover a dinosaur pit on land where they will excavate bones. Through new and creative activities, we will learn about the ships, fish and different species of dinosaurs and prehistoric sea monsters - some that lived under the sea and even some pirates who will add to an exciting week of adventure.
Grades: 2 to 3
Location: Environmental Outpost
Address: 140 Dinosaur Drive, Smyrna, DE 19977
When: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Destination Sky
Destination Sky features a week of creative problem-solving challenges including Powers of Ten, Millions of Stars, planets, space habitats, and rovers. In addition, cadets participate in exciting activities based on the physics of flight, leading to a training fight in the Boeing Simulator.
Grades: 3 to 4
Location: Delaware Discovery Center
Address: 60 ITEC Loop, Smyrna, DE 19977
When: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Destination Space
Destination Space features a series of experiments conducted in a space laboratory like NASA's "White Room". The results and solutions could have the potential to benefit humanity. Cadets will discover and learn about concepts from ground to space including simple machines, engineering, circuitry, science, weather, and computer training. Plan on constructing and launching a bottle rocket.
Grades: 4 to 5
Location: Delaware Discovery Center
Address: 60 ITEC Loop, Smyrna, DE 19977
When: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Destination Flight
Destination Flight focuses on an in-depth study of the principles of flight and cutting-edge studies of the FAA and NASA aeronautic programs. Cadets will apply their acquired knowledge as they operate our advanced flight simulators and hovercraft.
Grades: 5 to 6
Location: Delaware Discovery Center
Address: 60 ITEC Loop, Smyrna, DE 19977
When: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Destination Orbit
Destination Orbit includes the following areas of study: Space Architecture, Living in Space, Physics of Space, Rocketry, and Planetary Studies. Highlights of the week include a trip to Delaware Air Guard, a tentative presentation by ILC Dover (the manufacturer of NASA’s space suits), and construction of a model rocket that is launched on the final day.
Grades: 6 to 8
Location: Delaware Discovery Center
Address: 60 ITEC Loop, Smyrna, DE 19977
When: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 4 PM
Bus Transportation
Bus Transportation is from Clayton Hall at the University of Delaware to the Delaware Discovery Center and back, before and after Day Academies.
Grades: 2 to 8
Location: Transportation
Address: Delaware Discovery Center
When: June 22 - 26, 2026
Time: -
Destination Moon
Cadets will enjoy lessons in crystal development, advanced rocketry, remote sensing, robotics, computer simulation, composite materials, and telescope building. A field trip is planned to the Center for Composite Materials.
Grades: 7 to 9
Location: University of Delaware
Address: 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE 19716
When: July 5 - 10, 2026
Time: Overnight
Destination Mars
During the academy, cadets will conduct Mars-related experiments and take part in a computer simulation. They will assemble a space station underwater, build a magnetic levitation vehicle, construct and launch a rocket made from spare parts, design a rover, and simulate astronaut training. Cadets hear from experts on Mars and take a field trip to Iron Hill Park.
Grades: 8 to 10
Location: University of Delaware
Address: 100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark, DE 19716
When: July 5 - 10, 2026
Time: Overnight
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