Mission Mars: Space Flight with Kerbal

Price: Starting at $1,049
Age: 10 - 12
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: iD Tech Camps | Small-Group, On-Campus
Duration: Weeklong program, 8 hours per day

About This Course

3...2...1...Blastoff! Prepare to explore the cosmos and launch your virtual rocket into space! You’ll calculate fuel economy and dive into the atmosphere using physics and orbital mechanics to navigate the vast unknowns of space. With Kerbal Space Program, you’ll build your own space-flight technology. The last thing you want to do is blow up a rocket, but with aerodynamics and orbital physics you might just have to break a few eggs before you make it. There’s something for everyone whether you’re a veteran fleet captain or new cadet. Use problem-solving skills to get your rocket through Earth’s atmosphere and carefully land on faraway moons and planets, all in one piece.

Topics Covered

Learn fundamentals of rocket building and space flight
Study physics and orbital mechanics to travel to different planets
Use aerodynamics and problem solving to keep your Kerbal safe
Create and forge your own path through space

Sample Schedule

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like! Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of key material and the overall student experience.

Monday: Learn Basics of Kerbal Space Program

Students will learn the basics of Kerbal Space Program and launch into suborbital flight after gathering research for the trip.

Tuesday: Push Design Further & Launch into Orbit

As students progress, they’ll learn to push their spacecraft’s design even further and launch into orbit around their home planet.

Wednesday: Transfer Orbits & Experience Landing

Students will reach the depths of space by learning how to transfer orbits and experience their first Mun landing.

Thursday: Employ Skills to Focus on Goals & Adventures

As they work through their campaign, students will employ their skills to focus on their own goals and adventures, exploring any corner of space they wish to visit!

Friday: Showcase Discoveries in Montage Video

Set off on the final mission! To wrap up the week, students will showcase their exciting discoveries (and explosions) in a montage video created in OBS.

Portfolio-Boosting Diploma & Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech diploma and course transcript outlining the skills they learned over the course of the week.

Learn from the best.

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 23 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. It's no surprise that iconic companies like Google, EA, Microsoft, and Disney hire the same talent we do. Our iD Certified instructors possess the whole package of skills that top employers seek.

100% USA-based, adult instructors
Recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU
Rigorous background and reference checks
Robust training programs and certification
Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

“My time as an iD instructor was really formative. I stayed with STEM in college as a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, and now I’m working at Google in Chicago. If you find yourself thinking about STEM-related things outside of school, follow that passion. Major in it. Keep pursuing it.”

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

“The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

“The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kerbal space simulator?

This program allows students to simulate building their very own rocket, completing their flight module training, blasting off into space, and bringing their rocket back to Earth.

Why should my child learn with a virtual space simulator?

This course allows students to learn in a hands-on way what it takes to make it to outer space. By combining physics, robotics, and other problem solving skills, kids can step into astronaut’s shoes and take technology to new heights.

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

This unique learning experience is the perfect introduction to exciting fields like engineering, space technology, astronomy, and more.

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, this course is designed for beginner to advanced students. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual attention and has the freedom to learn at their own pace.

What is the camp experience like?

At our on-campus programs, students get inspired by iconic architecture, learn in our next-gen labs, and get a taste of collegiate life. With our small classes, your child will progress at their own pace with the hottest software and hardware, while learning from carefully-vetted talent sought by companies like Google, Apple, EA, and Disney. They hire who we hire.

As the only STEM educator rooted in 23+ years of legendary camp traditions, we know that when learning is fun, kids and teens stick with it! At camp, students build relationships in a fun and inclusive campus setting, and in between sessions in the labs, can be found diving into high-energy outdoor games and video game tournaments, and bonding over legendary iD traditions like raffles, pie-your-instructor Fridays, and so much more.