Rolling enrollment open. Courses prorated.
Explore now.Is your teen the one who can name every planet, moon, and constellation but nobody around them cares? Do they wish someone, anyone, would geek out about space with them? In Astronomy & Satellites, Mr. Rob brings together a group of students who are just as fascinated by what's happening above our heads. From satellite technology to deep-space phenomena, this course gives your teen the intellectual community they've been looking for.
This course is not currently being offered. Please check back later or explore our other available courses.
Do you have a passion for space? Have you ever wondered how astronauts reach the stars, how satellites orbit Earth, or what lies beyond our solar system?
Welcome to Astronomy and Satellites, where you'll embark on an exciting journey through the cosmos and discover the incredible celestial bodies that surround us. Together, you'll explore the planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other wonders of our solar system while learning about humanity's greatest achievements in space exploration.
You'll investigate famous satellites, robotic probes, space telescopes, and crewed missions that have expanded our understanding of the universe. Along the way, you'll uncover the challenges scientists, engineers, and astronauts face as they explore the final frontier.
But learning about space is only the beginning! Using everything you discover throughout the course, you'll design your own space mission.
You'll plan a destination, chart a course, design a spacecraft, solve mission challenges, and think like a real space explorer. Whether you're already a space enthusiast or just beginning to explore the universe, this class provides a welcoming and supportive environment where curiosity is encouraged and big questions are celebrated.
A deeper understanding of our solar system and its celestial bodies Knowledge of famous satellites, probes, telescopes, and crewed space missions Insight into how scientists and engineers explore space Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through mission planning activities Experience applying scientific concepts to real-world challenges Greater confidence sharing ideas and participating in discussions Enhanced creativity through spacecraft and mission design An understanding of the teamwork required for successful space missions Exposure to careers in science, engineering, astronomy, and space exploration A fun and supportive environment where curiosity, creativity, and exploration are encouraged Get ready to launch into the unknown, explore distant worlds, and discover how humanity continues to reach farther into the cosmos than ever before!
For a student who already looks up at the sky and asks questions, this course provides real answers. Your child learns how rockets work, how satellites orbit, and what we have discovered beyond Earth, building scientific literacy through a subject they already care deeply about. Parents tell us their kids come home bursting with facts they cannot wait to share.
Astronomy connects physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology in a way that makes all of them feel exciting. Your child builds a broad scientific foundation while studying something that fills them with awe. That combination of knowledge and genuine enthusiasm is what turns a curious kid into a lifelong learner.
YSA is a UC-registered online publisher and WASC-accredited Supplementary Education Center, which means our courses can count toward official college credit requirements. State schools can recognize the courses your student takes here, adding real legitimacy to your homeschooling journey or building on top of your student's existing transcript. That unlocks two ways to enroll: For Credit -- Your student earns official, accredited credit toward their transcript. For-credit students complete weekly assignments that build toward their transcript grade. Outside-of-class work ranges from 1-2 hours per week. Perfect for families who want documentation that reflects what their child is actually capable of -- to show the world how brilliant they are. For Enrichment -- Your student takes the very same course purely for the love of learning. No grades, no outside-of-class work, no credit attached. Just the content, the community, and the growth. Same course. Same mentor. Same experience in class. You choose what fits your family.
If you homeschool, this works seamlessly. If your student attends another school full time, we create a report card and transcript that we share with you, and you share with the school. It is up to your primary school to accept it and add it to your student's official transcript.
Explore the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets of our solar system while learning how humanity reached the stars 
Investigate famous satellites, space telescopes, and crewed missions to understand the science and engineering behind space exploration 
Discuss the cosmos with peers who share their fascination with space, building knowledge together through curiosity-driven exploration 
Develop a genuine understanding of how the universe works, feeding the kind of wonder that keeps students excited about science for years 
Hello! I'm Robert, a professional videographer with over a decade of experience bringing stories to life behind the camera. I've always been fascinated by the art of storytelling, whether it's through film, television, video games, or creative writing. When I'm not working on video projects, you'll probably find me exploring history, learning about space, diving into a new game, or discovering some other fascinating topic. I love sharing that sense of curiosity with my students and helping them find subjects that spark their own excitement. My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, sharing ideas, and exploring their creativity. Whether we're analyzing stories, learning new skills, or creating something entirely original, I want students to discover that learning can be both fun and rewarding. Most importantly, I hope every student leaves class not only with new knowledge and creative skills, but also with greater confidence in their own unique way of thinking and learning. Some of the world's most interesting ideas come from people who see things differently - and I can't wait to see what your child creates!
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
Parents don't just see happier kids. They see sharper thinking, stronger friendships, and a child who actually wants to log on.
★★★★★
"My son has narrated the solar system to us since he was four. In Mr. Rob's course he finally has people who want to hear it, and he comes to dinner buzzing about satellites."
Priya N.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Designing his own space mission lit something up in my son. Mr. Rob let him plan the whole thing, and he has not stopped talking about his spacecraft since."
Gabriel M.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son has narrated the solar system to us since he was four. In Mr. Rob's course he finally has people who want to hear it, and he comes to dinner buzzing about satellites."
Priya N.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Designing his own space mission lit something up in my son. Mr. Rob let him plan the whole thing, and he has not stopped talking about his spacecraft since."
Gabriel M.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My daughter is twice-exceptional and used to shrink in group settings. Mr. Rob asks her about orbits and probes like her ideas matter, and now she raises her hand every week."
Renee T.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob knows the difference between a moon and a probe and takes my son's questions seriously. For a space-obsessed kid, being taken seriously is everything."
Colin F.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My daughter is twice-exceptional and used to shrink in group settings. Mr. Rob asks her about orbits and probes like her ideas matter, and now she raises her hand every week."
Renee T.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob knows the difference between a moon and a probe and takes my son's questions seriously. For a space-obsessed kid, being taken seriously is everything."
Colin F.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"We tried other science programs and my daughter was bored in a week. Mr. Rob keeps her reaching, and she now wants to be an aerospace engineer."
Danielle O.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The small group means Mr. Rob actually hears my quiet son. He told me astronomy is the first course where he felt like he belonged."
Marcus L.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"We tried other science programs and my daughter was bored in a week. Mr. Rob keeps her reaching, and she now wants to be an aerospace engineer."
Danielle O.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The small group means Mr. Rob actually hears my quiet son. He told me astronomy is the first course where he felt like he belonged."
Marcus L.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son has narrated the solar system to us since he was four. In Mr. Rob's course he finally has people who want to hear it, and he comes to dinner buzzing about satellites."
Priya N.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Designing his own space mission lit something up in my son. Mr. Rob let him plan the whole thing, and he has not stopped talking about his spacecraft since."
Gabriel M.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My daughter is twice-exceptional and used to shrink in group settings. Mr. Rob asks her about orbits and probes like her ideas matter, and now she raises her hand every week."
Renee T.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob knows the difference between a moon and a probe and takes my son's questions seriously. For a space-obsessed kid, being taken seriously is everything."
Colin F.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"We tried other science programs and my daughter was bored in a week. Mr. Rob keeps her reaching, and she now wants to be an aerospace engineer."
Danielle O.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The small group means Mr. Rob actually hears my quiet son. He told me astronomy is the first course where he felt like he belonged."
Marcus L.
YSA parent
If you’re not 100% in love with the course, you have options depending on how you enrolled:
You can switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit or get a credit to use toward a future course.
You can either get credit toward a future course, switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit, or stop all future payments after a 30-day processing period.
No risk. No stress. Just the learning and belonging you have been looking for.
We can offer this because we know what we do works for thousands of other families. Kids become more self-confident. They find their people. And families tell us this is the place where their student finally feels welcome. We know it will work for your family, too.
All-Access Passes have separate terms and conditions. Please see the All-Access Pass pages.
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway... to qualify for the satisfaction guarantee policy, you have to actually attend the classes. This is not a cancellation policy. It’s a satisfaction guarantee. You can’t be satisfied or dissatisfied if you don’t attend.
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual village that offers one-of-a-kind, engaging enrichment courses and community for 5-18-year-old bright, quirky kids to empower them to develop their strengths, make like-minded friends, cultivate life skills, build confidence, and feel great about themselves under the loving care of expert mentors. description2: >- Picture a place where your child fits in, is celebrated, mentored, and loves learning the unique content their beautiful brain craves. That happens every day at YSA for over 1,200+ families, and it can happen for your family, too.
WASC Accredited · 1,200+ Families · 93% Re-Enroll · 47+ States, 17 Countries, 6 Continents
Learn more about YSAQUESTIONS ABOUT THIS COURSE
Everything you need to know before enrolling your child.
Very. Our science courses are designed around engagement, not lectures. Students participate in live discussions, experiments they can do at home, collaborative investigations, and real-world applications. The small group format means every student is actively involved every session - no hiding in the back of a 30-person class.
Yes. YSA families join from 47+ states and 17 countries across 6 continents. All you need is an internet connection. We schedule sections across multiple time zones so families worldwide can find a time that works.
Astronomy & Satellites meets once per week for 50 minutes, every week from August through December. Your child joins the same tight-knit group of up to 8 students and the same mentor all semester long. Same friends, same mentor, a new challenge every week.
Our gifted and 2e students experience such asynchronous development that hard age limits rarely tell the full story. If your student should be aged up or aged down, contact us at support@youngscholarsacademy.org or click the chat in the bottom right corner of the screen. We do this all the time.
Please don't confuse reactive distance learning with what happens at YSA. When a kid is engaged in a course they chose, with a mentor who gets them and peers who share their interests, the screen disappears. They're not on a screen. They're with their people. Parents tell us their children fight to log on to YSA.
If your child isn't loving a course by the end of the first week, swap into a different course. Same semester. No questions. Not the right fit within the first month? We'll stop payments, switch courses, or issue credit toward any future course. The credit never expires. And you keep every bonus you've received. Over 93% of YSA families don't just stay. They add more courses.
No. Cameras are always optional. Always. Many of our students start with cameras off and turn them on when they're comfortable. Our mentors engage every student equally, cameras on or off.
No. If you're here, you're in the right place. We don't require paperwork, evaluations, or labels. Whether your child has been formally identified as gifted or twice-exceptional, whether you suspect it but haven't pursued testing, or whether you just know your kid's brain works differently and nothing else has fit, they're welcome here.
Yes. YSA is an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs including Arizona ESA, Utah Fits All, ClassWallet, My Tech High, Florida Step Up, and others. Enroll directly to secure your child's spot, submit the invoice to your ESA, and your payment method is refunded when funds transfer. Many families pay zero out of pocket.
Click "See Available Times" on this page, pick the section that fits your schedule, and your child's spot is secured immediately. No phone call. No placement test. No prerequisite.
Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a course they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.
Your child is one click from finding out what that feels like.
An internet connection and a can-do attitude!