Aerospace Jam: Mars Payload Return

The Aerospace Jam 2025-26 is a competition for high school teams across Wisconsin to use drones on a NASA Mars-inspired simulated mission. The program is a partnership between NASA, Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium and the Milwaukee Bucks. Our goal is to recruit students from diverse backgrounds and cultivate a welcoming and inclusive event that will foster meaningful interactions among teammates and teams.

Read the official Aerospace guidelines

The Challenges

By October 28, 2025, teams will be provided with a drone and sensor kit to design and build a data-acquiring platform for a “landing” on Mars. Monthly meetings and technical support will be provided throughout the early spring semesters. The day-long competition will take place on April 10, 2026.