From middle school CubeSats to international conferences, Kevin Simmons is empowering the next generation of aerospace innovators. Hear how students as young as 11 are designing satellites, presenting papers worldwide, and proving that passion beats age every time.
Susan Wise: Welcome to Stars Launch Pod, Space Technology and Research Sciences, brought to you by StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. I’m your host, Susan Wise, and I’m thrilled to have with us today a fellow podcaster, Kevin Simmons of the Aerospace and Innovation Academy. Hi, Kevin, and welcome to the show.
Kevin: Good morning, Susan, and thank you for having me.
Susan Wise: Great. Kevin, tell us a little more about what you do and what you’re currently working on to further the space industry.
Kevin: Thank you, Susan. I started my career in STEM as a biochemist. After working in industry and doing research, I eventually became an educator. That shift happened partly because of circumstances at my daughter’s school, and partly because I’d been downsized. I realized my experiences in the military, industry, and research had prepared me to work with students.
Once I became an educator, I immediately introduced entrepreneurship into the classroom. I created companies that my students could staff so they’d gain real-world experience. Fast forward about 25 years—people often think you become an overnight success, but they don’t see the first 20 years of work. Today, I’ve founded or co-founded four companies, all focused on aerospace and education. The goal is to provide unique opportunities for kids before they graduate high school, giving them authentic, hands-on aerospace experiences.
Susan Wise: Are we talking about grade school students, or more junior high and high school?
Kevin: That’s a great question. Honestly, maturity and interest matter more than chronological age. Some 18-year-olds aren’t motivated, while some 10- and 11-year-olds are incredibly driven. For example, I have an 11-year-old in California who manages some of my websites. We’ve had students as young as 11 design printed circuit boards for satellites.
My primary age group is 11 to 18. Since 2018, they’ve presented 110 technical papers in nine countries.
Susan Wise: That’s amazing. So it’s really about how inspired and engaged they are, not just their age.
Kevin: Exactly. As an educator, the best students to work with are those who are internally motivated. When a student knows what they want, if you can provide opportunities and guidance, they often far exceed expectations.
Our students have been so successful that we’ve had to overcome ageism. Imagine a 12-year-old standing at a podium in Dubai presenting an accepted paper. At first the audience wonders, “Why is this kid here?” But once the student speaks and demonstrates mastery, people realize they belong.
It’s not about having a high IQ. Many of my students are on the spectrum—quirky, creative, and passionate. The real requirement is motivation and interest. When students’ passions align with ours, amazing things happen.
Susan Wise: I’m sure you’ve had challenges along the way. What’s been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
Kevin: I’d say there are three main challenges.
First, overcoming institutional inertia—shifting schools and systems to prepare students not just to be good citizens, but also to thrive in the 21st-century STEM workforce.
Second, finding and supporting the right students. My students come from multiple states and countries, though most are in South Florida. The challenge is keeping them engaged in hands-on work despite the geographic spread.
Third, and most importantly, fundraising. I’m principal investigator on several small satellite projects built and launched by students. I spend more time than I’d like securing funding so these brilliant kids can pursue their projects.
Susan Wise: So, Kevin, what’s been your biggest “aha” moment?
Kevin: I’d divide that into two categories.
The first happens in the classroom, when a student finally understands a concept they thought was too advanced. At first, many kids say, “I can’t do this. It’s too hard.” I remind them, “You can’t do it yet, but you will with practice.” That’s the growth mindset. When they finally get it, their eyes light up—that’s an aha moment.
The second kind is more historic. My students and I were at the right place at the right time—we became the first middle school chosen by NASA to build a CubeSat. I’ll never forget standing at Vandenberg, watching a Falcon 9 carry our satellite into space. Being the first middle school to accomplish that was unforgettable.
Susan Wise: Amazing. What one piece of advice would you like to share with our listeners today?
Kevin: I’d offer two pieces.
First, don’t be afraid to take risks. The older people get, the more risk-averse they become. I encourage students to be risk-tolerant.
Second, I tell my students: “We all die on a hill—make sure your hill counts.” Don’t waste your energy fighting trivial battles like not wanting to do homework. Choose your battles wisely, and make sure they’re about principles. Even if you lose while doing the right thing, that’s okay.
Especially in middle school, kids want to fit in with their cliques. I remind them it’s okay to stand alone if you’re standing for what’s right. That’s as important as becoming great scientists, engineers, or technicians.
Susan Wise: Great advice. Thank you, Kevin. Let’s talk about your passion project. Would that be the Wolf Pack and the upcoming conference?
Kevin: Yes. The Aerospace and Innovation Academy is our umbrella group for professional development, teacher training, summer camps, and coaching. The Wolf Pack is our nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which allows us to raise funds for hardware like satellite parts.
We started the Wolf Pack during COVID. At the time, my school didn’t want me including students from outside, even graduates. But too many kids could benefit, so we formed an independent team.
For years, we’d attended the SmallSat Conference in Utah, but it was expensive and hard for students to travel. An engineer colleague and I decided to create a similar event on the East Coast. The Kennedy Space Center was the obvious choice. Now we’re in our fourth year of the SmallSat Education Conference, held the last weekend in October.
The event includes about 40 technical presentations, six hands-on workshops, and an exhibit hall with companies, universities, Space Force, and NASA. We’ve intentionally kept the cost very low—this year it was under $45 for students and educators to attend a day-and-a-half conference inside Kennedy Space Center.
Susan Wise: That’s wonderful. Where can people find more information?
Kevin: They can visit our conference site at SmallSatEducation.org.
We’re excited about this year’s keynotes: Dr. Fitz-Coy from UF, who introduced me to CubeSats, and former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden. We already have attendees coming from multiple countries and student teams, including 14 young women from California’s CubeSat team. It’s a great opportunity for young people pursuing aerospace careers.
Susan Wise: I love that. Kevin, thank you so much for sharing your passion project, your mission, and your story. It’s inspiring and motivating for young people. We truly appreciate your time today.
Kevin: Thank you, Susan. I enjoyed our conversation.
Susan Wise: Be sure to join us at StarSciences.org, where we connect, collaborate, and accelerate. You can receive a free one-year membership by entering the promo code friends321. Kevin Simmons of the Aerospace and Innovation Academy, thank you again for joining us on Launch Pod.
Kevin: Thank you.
Susan Wise: If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and subscribe. Until next time, keep looking up.
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