RockOn is a sounding rocket payload workshop at Wallops Flight Facility that is an exciting chance for faculty and students to kickstart design-build-fly projects at their home institutions. Participants in the workshop will build a working scientific payload and then see it launch on a real sounding rocket. The 2026 application is now open! The application deadline is February 13.
Subject to available funds, MDSGC intends to sponsor one or more teams for each year’s workshop and encourages prospective Maryland team mentors to apply for team sponsorship. If you are interested for this year or an upcoming year, visit NASA’s RockOn page for information and to apply and also complete the sponsorship application below if you are seeking sponsorship. MDSGC sponsorship is not required for Maryland teams to participate — if you have your own resources, great!
Here is a summary of important information about RockOn 2026:
- Application deadline is 02/13/26 – but why wait?
- 1 faculty mentor from the applicant institution must be willing to attend.
- 2 students from the applicant institution must be able to commit to attending.
- There are no prerequisites. All skills needed at the workshop will be taught at the workshop.
- Attending faculty and students must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age.
- Workshop dates are tentatively June 17-25, 2026.
- Location is NASA/Wallops, with hotels nearby in Chincoteague, VA.
- In order for you to participate, NASA must select your application – it’s not automatic.
- MDSGC will sponsor the workshop registration and travel costs for up to three Maryland teams, subject to the availability of funds. Prospective team mentors must complete the application below in advance to request sponsorship.