
Mission Near Space
Adler Planetarium
In Mission Near Space, teens become part of a unique team of engineers and astronomers whose goal is to prepare, launch, track, and retrieve a scientific payload sent to the stratosphere aboard a high altitude balloon. The week ends with a showcase in which participants present their exploration results to family members.
Mission Near Space is a summer camp like no other. Applicants who are accepted to the program will receive a full scholarship for one week-long program session (a $500 value). Travel support for participants will be offered in the form of a 7-day CTA pass. Participants who complete the full week will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card.
Dates: Three one-week sessions
- Session One: June 19th - 23rd
- Session Two: July 24th - 28rd
- Session Three: July 31st - August 4th
Schedule:
- Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sign-in starts at 8:30 am and sign-out is at 3:00 pm.
- One extended day trip on Thursday (Wednesday backup day if weather looks bad for Thursday)
- Drop-Off between 7:45 am - 8:15 am
- Return occurs between 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Participant Eligibility:
- Applicants must be enrolled in 7th - 8th grade during the 2022 - 2023 School year
- Applicants must attend a Chicago Public School (CPS)
- Priority is given to participants attending CPS neighborhood or charter schools
- Priority is given to participants who identify as African American and/or Latinx
- Participants will be selected to ensure geographic representation of Chicago
- All participants must be COVID-19 vaccinated, unless they request and are granted a medical or religious exemption. Exemptions are considered individually by the Adler Planetarium's Human Resources department and are not guaranteed.
Application Process: Applicantions are
- Application Opens: Mid-late February
- Initial Application Review: April 16th - April 22nd
- Applicantion Status Notification: April 28th
If you are offered a place in the program, we will send you a link to register for the program to secure your place.