Aerostar is excited to announce its selection by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program as the high‑altitude balloon provider for the 2026–2027 NASA TechRise Student Challenge. This collaboration will enable hundreds of middle and high school students across the United States to watch the launch of their own experiments into the stratosphere—an experience designed to spark curiosity, unlock creativity, and inspire future innovators.
For Aerostar, participating in TechRise reflects a core part of who we are. Guided by our company principle to Make a Difference, Aerostar is committed to advancing technologies and opportunities that positively impact communities, industries, and the next generation of STEM leaders. Supporting TechRise is a meaningful way to help students see what’s possible when they chase bold ideas and build solutions that reach new heights—literally.
“TechRise is an extraordinary program because it shows students that they belong in STEM,” said Russ Van Der Werff, Aerostar Vice President of Stratospheric Solutions. “Being able to contribute to that journey aligns perfectly with our mission and our guiding principle to Make a Difference. We’re honored to support NASA in expanding access to real scientific exploration.”
As the balloon provider, Aerostar will supply the stratospheric platform, integrate student payloads, operate the balloon flight, and recover the experiments after landing. The experience offers students hands-on exposure to aerospace, engineering, atmospheric science, and real-world flight testing and operations—activities that can ignite lifelong passion and purpose.
“Supporting programs that empower young people and broaden participation in STEM is one of the most meaningful ways we can apply our expertise,” said Jim Nelson, President of Aerostar. “TechRise gives students the chance to learn, build, and experiment—and we’re proud to help make those opportunities real.”
About Aerostar With over 70 years of lighter-than-air innovation and expertise and two million flight hours in the stratosphere, Aerostar is dedicated to connecting, protecting, and saving lives. Aerostar launches up and safely operates hundreds of flights every year in full cooperation with the FAA and regional authorities. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Aerostar provides world-leading solutions in the aerospace and defense market, focused on stratospheric balloon systems and radar solutions. Learn more at www.aerostar.com
Media Contact Aerostar:
Anastasia Quanbeck
Director, Culture and Communications
Aerostar
info@aerostar.com