CanSat is a project‑based aerospace competition in which student teams design, build, test, and operate a small satellite modeled to fit inside the volume of a soda can. The CanSat is launched by a rocket or carried aloft by other means, then released to complete a mission such as controlled descent, data collection, and safe landing. Teams must develop their own hardware and software, document their engineering process, and submit design reviews as they progress. The U.S. CanSat Competition is organized by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) with support from industry and government partners. It is open primarily to undergraduate university teams, but advanced high school teams (with teacher or mentor supervision) have participated through school or community programs in some years. Participants gain hands‑on experience in systems engineering, embedded programming, electronics, and mission operations, while also building skills in teamwork, technical communication, and project management that are valued for STEM careers.