2026 CAP/NASA Mission
I am looking for a team of a minimum of 8 Cadets and Seniors, maximum 18, to take part in the upcoming 2026 CAP/NASA mission.
Please read the information below, and if you are interested in taking part, please click on the Google Form at the bottom of the page and declare your interest.
-Maj Thompson
What is the 2026 Aviation Skywatch Mission?
Aviation Skywatch is the 2026 CAP/NASA Mission. This will be the fifth mission conducted by Civil Air Patrol in collaboration with NASA, building on the success of the previous CAP/NASA missions. The mission harkens back to Operation Skywatch, a US Air Force program in the 1950s designed to identify and track aircraft before radar was available; CAP helped train the skywatchers of the Ground Observer Corps.
More About the Mission
- Collect data and atmospheric conditions (similar to the 2025 Aviation Weather Mission
- Identify and track specific aircraft across multiple wings and regions
- Help NASA scientists better understand weather conditions that impact commercial aircraft
- Team Members must be available for all 3 dates: 14 March, 11 April, and 16 May (all are Saturdays)
Why Join?
- Be part of a NASA-supported citizen science project.
- Learn about aviation weather, aircraft identification, orienteering, tracking, and communications.
- Gain hands-on STEM experiences that make a difference.
- Connect with a team of curious, motivated cadets and mentors.
- QCUA credit for STEM Team
- Participants are eligible to apply for CAP/NASA Micro Internships
Qualifications to Participate:
- Be a Civil Air Patrol member in good standing
- Completed GES (General Emergency Services) training (in Absorb)
- Received their first achievement (Curry Award) if a Cadet
- Completed Level 1 if a Senior Member
- Completed Cadet Protection Training if over 18
- Have a complete CAP utility uniform such as ABUs or CAP Polos.
- Complete the Core Training Materials before their first observation mission.
If you are interested, please fill out the form here: 2026 CAP/NASA Mission Interest Form
