The fifth annual Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education National High-Altitude Balloon Challenge concluded with more than 100 teams representing 41 wings across all eight CAP regions taking part in this year’s nationwide STEM competition. Over 1,000 cadets and 250 adult leaders participated in the six-month program, which culminated in the Nov. 6 awards presentation announcing the winners of the Col. Joe Kittinger Cup.
Top Honors to Virginia Wing
The Mid-Atlantic Region’s Virginia Wing William P. Knight Composite Squadron (VA-007) earned top honors, receiving the Kittinger Cup and a $5,000 prize donated by Col. Kittinger’s wife, Mrs. Sherry Kittinger. The Knight Squadron has participated in the HAB Challenge since its inception in 2021 and previously won the Kittinger Cup in 2022, receiving autographed books from Col. Joe Kittinger before his passing.
This year, the team’s experiment explored the effects of near-space conditions on Tranexamic Acid (TXA), a medication used to control bleeding. In space, uncontrolled hemorrhage can be fatal—and there’s no emergency room nearby. Their findings suggest TXA could be a safe and practical solution for hemorrhage control, potentially reshaping emergency care during long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Utah Wing Earns Second Place
The Rocky Mountain Region’s Utah Wing Phoenix Cadet Squadron (UT-048) captured second place and a $1,000 grant sponsored by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA).
The team's project tested the effects of high-altitude exposure on yeast—posing the question, “What would it take to bake bread on Mars?” It found that yeast and sourdough starters can thrive—even outperform—under upper-atmosphere conditions, a finding that could support sustainable food production for future space missions.
Puerto Rico Wing Takes Third
The Southeast Region’s Puerto Rico Wing Lt. Col. Elsa M. Soto-Torres Cadet Squadron (PR-094) placed third, earning a $500 AFA grant. The team's experiment focused on bean germination after high-altitude exposure. Results indicated that stress-tolerant seeds may boost germination rates, a key factor for space agriculture and developing resilient crops for long-duration missions.
Innovation in Action
Teams were evaluated in four categories—mission patch design, pre-launch video, science experiment report, and final documentary video—with additional AFA grants awarded for high performance in each.
Over six months, cadets demonstrated remarkable dedication, creativity, and teamwork while developing experiments that may influence how humankind lives and works in space.
In August, more than 1,000 cadet experiments were launched to the edge of the stratosphere—up to 90,000 feet—in Indiana. The launch showcased the power of collaboration, with the Indiana Wing coordinating a dynamic, real-world mission integrating drones, aircraft, communications, and ground tracking in one unified operation. It was One CAP in action, merging the best of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Operations into a single immersive learning experience.
Inspiring the Next Generation
“As we move into the awards announcements, remember—success isn’t just about winning. It’s about how much you’ve learned, how much you’ve grown, and the curiosity you’ll carry forward. Thank you for your hard work, your imagination, and your enthusiasm. We are so proud of each of you. Keep dreaming. Keep exploring. And keep reaching for the stars.”
The 2025 HAB Challenge represents another milestone in CAP’s national STEM and career exploration efforts—empowering cadets to think boldly, explore deeply, and reach new heights.
To learn more about CAP’s High-Altitude Balloon Challenge, visit the program website or contact [email protected].
