BUILDUPSPACE LAB

The program is open exclusively to high school students in Grades 9–12. No prior research or aerospace experience is required — only genuine curiosity and the commitment to see a project through.

Yes. The program is designed to start from zero. Phase 1 exists specifically to give every student the same foundation before any research begins. What matters more than prior knowledge is whether you’re genuinely curious and willing to put in the work over six months.

Phase 1 has two sessions per week, each 2 hours. To accommodate students across time zones and school schedules, we offer a weekend session and two separate weekday options — you pick whichever slot works for you. All sessions are recorded, so if you miss one you can catch up before the next. Phase 2 moves to asynchronous working. Your team schedules mentor check-ins based on shared availability, so there are no fixed weekly slots to work around.

During Phase 1, plan for approximately 4 hours per week — two 2-hour sessions. During Phase 2, time commitment varies by team, but most students spend 4–6 hours per week on project development, mentor calls, and report writing.

No. Track selection happens after Phase 1, once you’ve had exposure to all four domains. You can indicate a preference on your application, but you’re not locked in.

Yes. Students participate from anywhere in the world. There is no in-person component.

Bronze is awarded for completing a strong base research project in your primary track. Silver requires integrating one additional domain into your research. Gold requires integrating two. The tier reflects the complexity of what your team builds, not just participation.

Every qualifying research report — typically Silver and Gold tier — is reviewed for submission to an international academic journal. Students are guided through the submission process by their mentors. Publication is not automatic, but it is a structured outcome of the program for teams that produce strong technical work.

Directly, yes. A co-authored research paper published in an international journal is a rare and verifiable credential at the high school level. Beyond the paper itself, the program gives students a concrete research project to write about in personal statements, a mentor who can speak to their work, and demonstrated initiative in a specialised field.