Spaceflight Sims

Build rockets and fly space missions.

Explore physics, orbital mechanics, and flight dynamics with three increasingly realistic spaceflight sims: Kerbal Space Program, Reentry, and FlightGear.

Build rockets and spacecraft. Plan unmanned and manned missions. Launch rockets and operate spacecraft. Design and fly experimental spacecraft.

This course is ideal for students who are excited about space, engineering, and realistic simulators and want an experience that's both educational and fun. The class blends guided practice with simulation-based missions as students explore how rockets fly, how spacecraft maneuver, and how astronauts control real vehicles. Lessons build gradually so students understand each new concept before trying it in increasingly challenging scenarios.

Students design rockets in Kerbal Space Program, plan transfers and landings, and fly capsule missions in Reentry using real procedures and instrumentation. They work toward multi-step missions such as orbital rendezvous, Mun landings, accurate reentries, or small space station assemblies. Fairfax Collegiate provides all necessary equipment, and students work individually in KSP and in small teams for selected Reentry or bridge-style challenges.

At the end of the course, instructors upload photos and videos of student missions for families to access. Students leave with a stronger grasp of spaceflight concepts and the confidence to take on more advanced engineering, simulation, or aerospace projects.

Fairfax Collegiate will offer this course for the first time in the 2026 Summer Program, and the full course syllabus (goals, topics, and day-by-by schedule) will be posted closer to the start of the Summer Program. For questions or additional details about the course in the meantime, please email our team at registrar@fairfaxcollegiate.com or call us at (703) 481-3080.