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Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploratio

Have you ever wondered how scientists use programming to explore the deepest reaches of space? In this program, you will discover an exciting real-world application of computer programming. Learn block-based coding, and use it to overcome engineering challenges as you build and program your own model satellite for deep space exploration. You will engage in the iterative design process and deepen your knowledge of both our solar system and computer programming. For teens who are already experienced with block-based coding and are already experienced with Python and/or Javascript, coding challenges can be conducted in Python or Javascript. Teens end the week coding and building a model satellite of their own imaginative creation. 

Parents are invited at 4 p.m. on the last day for teens to share their projects.

A coding instructor is working with a teen during the Coding Nano-Satellites teen research program

Program Info

Food: Lunch is provided. Teens bring a water bottle and snacks from home.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Location: UC Berkeley
Tuition: $1,465.00
Seeking Financial Aid? Learn More >

Session 1: 06/23/2025 – 06/27/2025
Optional Residential Add-on runs Sunday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. to Friday, June 27, 5:00 p.m. Residential add-on includes additional programming, on-campus housing, breakfast, and dinner. Limited spots available!
Residential Tuition: $1,255

Session 2: 07/07/2025 – 07/11/2025
No Residential Option

Session 4: 07/21/2025 – 07/25/2025
No Residential Option

Sample Day

7:30 a.m.

Wake-up for residential teens!  Residential teens enjoy breakfast & walk together to campus

9:00 a.m.

All teens sign in with instructors
Welcome activities and icebreakers
Opening Circle- group check-in and framing the day
Explore STEM concepts and hands-on investigations in your track
Mid-morning break with teens from other tracks
Hands-on investigations and exploration cont.

11:45 a.m.

Lunch break in campus cafeteria Social time with teens from other tracks

12:45 p.m.

Continued investigations and explorations in your track
Various lab tours and guest speakers
Afternoon break with teens from other tracks
Closing Circle- reflection prompts and preview of what’s ahead

 4:00 p.m.

College Pathways Programming
Campus or other tours 
Meet and talk to current college students 
Meet and talk to professionals from a range of STEM career fields

 5:00 p.m.

Commuter teens sign out with instructors
Residential teens walk together to dorms and enjoy some well deserved downtime 

 6:30 p.m.

Dinner
Evening program 
Free time

10:00 p.m.

Lights Out!

Activity Highlights

  • Learn to code in Scratch
  • Daily puzzles and design challenges
  • Planetarium satellite show
  • Craft and engineer a model nanosatellite
  • Daily design challenges
  • Meet and mix with teens across other STEM tracks
  • Meet and talk to students and STEM career professionals
  • Project presentations and certificates

Unveil the Cosmos through Code: Explore Space Engineering with Nano-Satellites!

Teens Testing the Nano Satellite in Coding Session.

Focused Female Group Tackling Nano Coding Challenges.

Staff Bios