Frequently asked questions
General
What exactly is Definity?
We run After-School Engineering in Hawthorne, organize the global Lander Challenge for university teams, and have offered a summer robotics program in Los Angeles.
Students take responsibility for difficult engineering work and learn what they need as they go. They build, test, investigate failures, and try again. In our high school programs, mentors push their thinking and help them identify the next step.
Who can take part?
Students in grades 9–12 can enroll in After-School Engineering in Hawthorne. University teams worldwide can apply to the Lander Challenge. Students aged 14–17 can join the interest list for the Summer Program in Los Angeles.
Do high school students need engineering experience?
No. Students do need to take initiative, work with a team, and be willing to research unfamiliar problems. Mentors challenge their thinking and help them identify next steps. Students do the research and project work.
How do you keep students safe?
The Safety Council reviews Lander Challenge milestone attempts. Rocket launches and engine tests follow established range and test-site procedures, with professionals present. See the Safety Council on the Lander Challenge page, or contact us with questions about a specific program.
Who's behind Definity?
A small staff team led by founder Patrick Finley, supported by a Board of Directors. Meet them on the People page. The Lander Challenge also has a Strategic Advisory Board and Safety Council, listed on the Lander Challenge page. Our EIN is 88-1261179. Funders include the Musk Foundation and the Bess Family Foundation.
After-School Program
What do students build?
Students work in teams to build rockets and formula-style race cars. They learn how the components work, build and test their designs, and work through problems as the projects progress.
When and where does it meet?
Sessions meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4–8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., at 12600 Daphne Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250. Students are expected to attend all three weekly sessions.
Can students join partway through the year?
Yes. Students can join during the year. Joining earlier gives them more time to take part in the build.
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $1,490 per semester and includes materials, equipment, and instruction. Financial support is available. Email contact@definityproject.org to discuss tuition options.
How do we enroll?
Complete the enrollment form. Email contact@definityproject.org if you have questions before enrolling.
Summer Program
What happens over the summer?
High school students spend six weeks building and programming off-road robots in Los Angeles, five days a week. Teams test designs, investigate problems, and use resources to learn what they need. Engineers challenge their thinking and help them identify the next step. The summer ends with an obstacle-course race.
What else happens beyond the build?
Students visit companies and talk with founders, engineers, and hiring managers. Past summers have included visits to SpaceX, Reflect Orbital, and Impulse Space, and past speakers include a former VP of Propulsion at SpaceX. Last summer, students also took part in a hardware engineering track with Stardance by Hack Club.
How much does it cost?
The six-week program has been $1,490, including materials, equipment, and instruction, with financial aid available. Joining the interest list is free.
How do I join next summer?
Join the Summer Program interest list. We’ll email you as soon as dates are set and applications open. For questions, email contact@definityproject.org or text (470) 705-0363.
Lander Challenge
Is the Lander Challenge still accepting teams?
Yes. The challenge is open to collegiate teams worldwide, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so teams can apply at any time.
What do teams have to do?
Design, build, and fly a self-landing rocket, working through five technical milestones: a TVC Hotfire, a Throttleable Engine Hotfire, a Tethered Hover, a precision landing (the Bess Touchdown Award), and a Hop.
Each milestone pays out to the first three teams to complete it, from a $390,000 prize pool. The first two milestones have been awarded, and the last three are still open. Read the official rules for the exact requirements.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying is free. Teams fund their own hardware, propellant, and testing. Prizes are awarded to the first three teams to complete each milestone.
What are you looking for in an application?
Tell us about your team’s experience, previous projects, and safety practices. After reviewing the written application, we meet with your team for a safety interview.
Where can we read the rules?
The challenge rules, safety guidelines, and guidance on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) are linked on the Lander Challenge page. Email contact@landerchallenge.space with other questions.