By: Nadav Levine
While government agencies and aerospace giants have long dominated space exploration, a new player has entered the arena, but on a smaller scale. TLS has launched its own Space Program, joining the ranks of institutions like the United States, Russia, and Israel in pushing the boundaries of scientific progress.
For High School Space Education Coordinator Raz Idan, the program’s founder, this initiative represents more than just another STEM elective. “It’s going to be real engineering with hardware that costs tens of thousands of dollars,” Mr. Idan said. The program builds on the foundation of Leffell’s existing Engineering and Entrepreneurship (E²) course while taking project-based learning to new heights.
While both E² and the Space Program emphasize hands-on engineering and teamwork, they cater to different interests and skill levels. The Space Program’s inaugural project, a high-altitude balloon launch planned for June, exemplifies this hands-on approach. Students aren’t just observers; they’re leading the charge in designing scientific instruments, coordinating with the science department, and even managing an art payload competition for the school community.
For participants like sophomore Oren Podietz, the program offers both excitement and challenges. “To interact with space, learning how rocketry works, orbits, satellites, that’s always been interesting to me,” Podietz said. However, as one of the program’s pioneers, he acknowledges the steep learning curve: “I’ve developed how to do things on my own.”
The curriculum requires mastery of new tools, such as GitHub and predictive modeling software, for launch trajectories. While this independence can sometimes feel daunting, Podietz said, “there’s less structure than other classes,” it also provides unparalleled growth opportunities.
Looking ahead, Mr. Idan envisions even more ambitious projects, including a multi-year satellite development program inspired by recent Israeli high school initiatives. “The point is to show that space is tangible,” he emphasizes. “It’s not just for astronauts or rocket scientists. Even high schoolers can reach space.”
For students considering the program, Podietz offers straightforward advice and said, “You have to pursue those advanced skills whether it’s coding, math, or CAD design, and challenge yourself.”
As the June launch date approaches, the Leffell Space Program represents more than just an academic elective; it’s a testament to how far student-driven innovation can go when given the right resources and guidance. In Mr Idan’s words, “This is real engineering.” And for these students, space is no longer a distant frontier; it’s within their grasp.