LCATS

Lunar Caves Analog Test Sites

CALL for Junior NASA Consultants! Apply now!

Applications for the 2023-24 Cohort are now live! Apply now on  the “Application” tab above

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 1ST

LCATS is a 3-year NASA-commissioned program that allows middle and high school students to work alongside aerospace and other industry professionals to tackle real-world space exploration challenges and offer solutions through an array of investigations, experiments and design projects. Concepts addressed by the effort include the development of rockets and other large infrastructure in Earth’s orbit and within lunar lava tube caves on the Moon. LCATS acquaints students with professional opportunities in Space-STEM through sustained research, field experiences, and mentorship. The program includes coursework, team projects, class presentations, examinations, career awareness speakers, field trips, and special events. LCATS takes place during the school year on alternating Saturday mornings for 16 sessions a school year. 

Who: Selected current 8th – 10th grade students.

When: 16 Saturdays sessions: September 16th, 2023—May 18th, 2024

2023 Sessions Dates: 9/16, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 11/25, 12/9

2024 Session Dates: 1/13, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/16, 4/6, 4/13, 5/4, 5/18

Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (hours may differ for field trips)

Where: St. Mary’s University’s School of Science Engineering and Technology (SET)

Applications for the 2023-24 Cohort are now live! Apply now on  the “Application” tab above

Come to LCATS and discover, learn, make new friends, prepare for college, and explore space STEM careers

Discovery

LCATS provides a sustainable testing environment where secondary school students are encouraged to discover, learn, explore and achieve through an informal experiential space exploration research experience.

Opportunity

LCATS acquaints students with professional opportunities in Space-STEM through sustained research, field experiences, and mentorship.
Here are just some of the activities that LCATS cohorts participate in:
Field trips to caves to learn geology and biology of caves; how to take science measurements, and explore.
Instruction by volunteer aerospace engineers and scientists.
Mission concept design.

By helping to fund our programs for motivated Middle and High School students with an interest in exploring space, you advance 21st century careers for underrepresented minorities, female, and economically disadvantaged students.

Support a space
exploration pioneer