Applications undergo a three-stage review process with a panel comprised of Space Camp alumni, staff and volunteers. Applications are graded on a 100-point system with the following components:

• Category documentation (15 points)
• Science project following the scientific method (an experiment) or the engineering design process (30 points). The description of the project must include photos that support the project description. The project can be one that was done at home, but it must include photos, which are worth up to 10 points.
• Mission patch (25 points) that highlights the applicant’s achievements, goals and inspirations. This component includes a written description (10 points) explaining the patch. The patch may be hand-drawn or created electronically.
• Essay (30 points)