MADISON/HUNTSVILLE – Drew Crocker of Madison finished the Aviation Challenge Mach II program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

Similar programs at the space center are Space Camp and the robotics study affiliated with the camp.  

The weeklong educational program offered during Aviation Challenge Mach II promotes science, technology, engineering and math or STEM study. While training in STEM-related subjects, students and adults pursue hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem solving, according to camp spokesperson Margie Phillips.

“This program is specifically designed for students who have an interest in military aviation and the mechanics of flight. Students learn principles of aviation and put their knowledge to the test in a variety of flight simulators,” Phillips said.

Taking the role of fighter pilots, Drew Crocker and other campers on his team ran control systems and scenario-based missions. They also trained in water and land survival. At the end of the week, Crocker and crew returned in time to graduate with honors.

Aviation Challenge opened in 1990 and uses fighter-pilot training techniques to engage trainees in real-world applications of STEM subjects. Students sleep in barracks designed to resemble military bays.

More than 750,000 trainees have graduated from Space Camp and its sister programs since its inception in Huntsville in 1982. Notable camp alumni include European Space Agency astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, along with NASA astronauts Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Dr. Kate Rubins and Dr. Serena Aunon, who recently launched to the International Space Station.

Children and teachers from all 50 states and 69 international locations have attended a Space Camp program.

For more information, call 1-800-637-7223 or visit rocketcenter.com, spacecamp.com/aviation, Facebook/rocketcenterusa or Twitter RocketCenterUSA.