The Student Astronaut Challenge now has two Separate Leagues
The Apollo League (Advanced Level)
This league targets student teams in grades 6-12 that have participated in the Student Astronaut Challenge for several years and are made up of very experienced team members. All events in this league operate under strict rules, limited time and are designed to rigorously test the problem solving, research and group dynamic capabilities of the participants.
The Mercury League (Beginner to Intermediate level)
This league targets student teams in grades 6-12 that have never participated before or are still relatively new to the Student Astronaut Challenge. This would also include experienced teams that have a significant number of new or inexperienced members. All events in this league focus on helping develop the fundamental skills necessary to be successful in the competition and provide opportunities for feedback while still providing challenging events that focus on problem solving, research and group dynamic capabilities of the participants.
2024/2025 Qualifying Test Reference Material
The Qualifying Test Information
The Virtual Qualifying Test is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11th between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM (registration ends October 4th) .
- Each team is required to have six team members testing at the same time and must register for a specific league.
- The one-hour testing period will be selected by the designated testing coordinator identified by each participating school.
- The test will be based on the 2023/2024 reading material available on the SAC web site beginning August 11th.
- The test will be timed (limited to one hour) and will be open book or open note although devices allowing for internet searches (cell phones, digital watches or computers) WILL NOT be permitted. Laptops or tablets in airplane mode are acceptable if used for referencing the reading material.
Qualifying Test Registration and Payment Link
Registration fee for the test is $50.00 per team of six students. You may register multiple teams and pay at one time, make sure you identify if you are a MS or HS and which division you are trying-out for. The Astronaut Challenge WILL NOT accept checks or purchase orders for payment of fees for the qualifying test.
Common Questions About the Competition Changes
How many teams will be competing in the Student Astronaut Challenge?
The Apollo League will consist of the top 14 ranked schools as selected by their team(s) test scores. The Mercury League will consist of the top 14 ranked schools as selected by their team(s) test scores.
If I have multiple teams, can they each test for different leagues?
Yes, although, SAC has a strict one school one team policy. Whichever team qualifies for the highest league that is the slot the school will be ranked in.
What if we are a K-12 school?
A school that is K-12 can elect to separate into a Middle School and High School for the competition. They must designate this in their school names when registering. Each team then must be made up of the same type of students (i.e., Grade 6-8 MS team and grade 9-12 HS team). If a K-12 school fields mixed group(s) of grade 6-12 students then those group(s) will represent the whole K-12 school for the competition and only one team may qualify.
What if we have less than six students taking the test?
A team with less than six members will be assigned a grade of zero for each missing member when their score is averaged and ranked.
If our school gets ranked, is it required for the testing team that scored the highest to represent the school at the competition?
When a school is ranked, it is up to each individual coach to select the team members that will represent the school at the competition. How those students are selected is up to each individual school. The SAC will provide the overall ranking by individual teams in the event the school wishes to select their team based on overall ranking.
Do teams get to see their scores?
The Student Astronaut Challenge WILL NOT provide scores, we will only post the ranking based on the scores. All scores, test and test questions are proprietary and will not be shared with anyone outside the SAC management team.
What if our school team tests for the Apollo League but does not make the cutoff, can we compete in the Mercury League?
Depending on the number of schools that test for the Mercury League, if the cap of 14 teams is not met then teams that tested for the Apollo League, and did not qualify, may be offered one of the empty positions in the Mercury League (based on their overall ranking) at the discretion of the SAC management team.
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