NASA EXPRESS -- Your STEM Connection for Sept. 3, 2026

Check out NASA's latest STEM opportunities and learning resources.

NASA STEM Engagement Make a STEM Connection: X-59 Airplane On June 5, 2026, NASA’s experimental X-59 aircraft flew faster than the speed of sound for the first time, setting the stage for demonstrating its quiet supersonic capabilities later this year. Make a STEM connection to this exciting mission milestone with the resources below. NASA X-59 Explainer: Science of Sonic Booms NASA Knows Article for Grades 5-8: What Is Supersonic Flight? Quesst Supersonic STEM Toolkit Podcast: The X-59  Goes Supersonic: What's Next? New X-59 Digital Backgrounds For X-59 and Quesst mission updates and resources, click here. Higher Education Opportunities NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy Application Deadline: Friday, Oct. 9 Contact: NASA-DL-ERDA@mail.nasa.gov   The NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders by immersing students and early career scientists in projects using NASA data to address real-world challenges. Participants engage in short-term applied research projects centered on developing innovative applied science solutions to help partners make more effective, efficient decisions. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and cooperation with state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners, the Academy equips participants with skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.   The NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy offers both in-person and virtual opportunities depending on the project. U.S. citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident status is required to participate. Click here to learn more. NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowships Application Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. EST Contact: npp@orau.org   The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers early career and senior scientists fellowships (awarded annually up to three years) with NASA scientists and engineers. Opportunities relate to missions in Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics, engineering, human exploration and space operations, astrobiology, and science management. Applicants must have completed a doctorate or an equivalent degree before beginning the fellowship, but they may apply while completing degree requirements.   Click here to see current openings and apply. Send an Experiment to the Edge of Space Call for Payloads: 2027 High-Altitude Student Platform Notice of Intent Deadline: Friday, Oct. 9 Application Deadline: Sunday, Nov. 8 Contact: hasp@lsu.edu   Student teams from universities and community colleges worldwide are invited to develop experiments to fly to the edge of space on a NASA high-altitude research balloon. The annual project, supported by the NASA Science Mission Directorate Astrophysics Division, NASA Balloon Program Office, and the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium, provides near-space access for up to 24 student experiments. Typically, the flights last 15 to 20 hours and reach an altitude of 122,000 feet. There is no cost for launch and flight operations. Student teams must raise funds to support payload development and travel.   Click here to register for a Q&A teleconference on Friday, Sept. 25, and an Application Development teleconference on Friday, Oct. 16. NASA TechRise Student Challenge Entry Deadline: Monday, Nov. 2 Contact: support@futureengineers.org   The NASA TechRise Student Challenge invites student teams in grades 6-12 to submit science and technology experiment ideas to fly on a suborbital flight vehicle. Students attending U.S. public, private, or charter schools – including those in U.S. territories – are challenged to team up to design an experiment under the guidance of an educator. A total of 60 winning teams will be selected and awarded $1,500 to build their experiment, receive an assigned spot on a NASA-sponsored high-altitude balloon, and get technical support from Future Engineers advisors.   Visit the TechRise website to see this year’s flight vehicle. No experience is necessary to join the challenge. Partner Opportunities 2026 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest Entry Deadline: Monday, Sept. 7 Computational Astronomy Workshop for Middle and High School Educators Online Course Begins Saturday, Sept. 12 Teachers Night Out: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Event Date: Friday, Sept. 25 Want to subscribe to get this message delivered to your inbox each Thursday? Sign up for the NASA EXPRESS newsletter at https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/nasa-express. Are you looking for NASA STEM materials? Search hundreds of resources at https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/search. Check out the ‘Science for Everyone’ website! Science starts with questions, leading to discoveries. Visit https://science.nasa.gov/for-everyone. To view the site in Spanish, visit https://ciencia.nasa.gov. Are you looking for more NASA prizes, challenges, and crowdsourcing opportunities? Visit https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/ to find ways to contribute to NASA’s work. Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email NASA Office of STEM Engagement We are engaging students in NASA’s exciting missions, broad range of careers, and unique opportunities. Visit nasa.gov/learning-resources/  Follow Us on Social Media The National Aeronautics and Space Administration As explorers, pioneers, and innovators, we boldly expand frontiers in air and space to inspire and serve America and to benefit the quality of life on Earth. Visit nasa.gov Follow NASA

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