BNS Blog

LaunchPad's Training Platform

Written by Alex Ridgeway | Jun 2, 2026 10:50:34 PM

LaunchPad's Training Platform delivers interactive, software-connected training designed to help users become proficient with STK and ODTK through hands-on learning, guided exercises, and graded evaluations. Unlike traditional training that relies on videos and reading alone, LaunchPad places users directly inside the software, where they learn by doing.

Whether you're new to the space domain, building mission analysis skills, or becoming an orbit determination expert, LaunchPad provides a structured path from beginner to certified practitioner.

Why use the Training Platform in LaunchPad?

  • Interactive training connected directly to STK and ODTK
  • Learn through real-world exercises and scenarios
  • Self-paced training available anytime, anywhere
  • Progress tracking and mastery-based learning
  • Graded evaluations and certification exams
  • STK and ODTK professional certifications

 

Demonstrate Skills. Earn Certification. 

LaunchPad certifications validate real skills—not just course completion.

Every certification includes practical exercises and graded evaluations performed inside STK or ODTK. Users must demonstrate proficiency by completing hands-on tasks and passing assessment criteria.

  • STK L1 Certification
  • STK L2 Certification
  • ODTK L1 Certification
  • Additional Certifications coming soon!  

Certifications provide organizations with a measurable way to track workforce development and software proficiency. 


Available Courses on the Space Domain

Intro to Space

Foundation Course | 4 Lessons | Graded

New to the space domain? Intro to Space builds the conceptual foundation required for success with STK, ODTK, and space mission analysis.

Topics Covered

  • Orbital mechanics fundamentals
  • Orbit types and usages 
  • Propagation and Perturbations 
  • Spacecraft Maneuvering
  • Interactive exercises and evaluations 

 

 

Advanced Space Concepts

Expert Course | 4 Lessons | Graded

Built for engineers and analysts performing real mission planning and operational analysis.

Topics Covered

  • Ground tracks
  • Launch analysis
  • Ground tasking
  • Rendezvous planning
  • Proximity operations

 

 

Available Courses on the STK

STK Essentials

Core Course | 3 Lessons | STK Certified

The foundational STK course designed to build confidence and proficiency with the industry's leading mission engineering software.

Topics Covered

  • STK interface and workflow
  • Object creation and management
  • Reports and graphs
  • Access calculations
  • Air and space analysis fundamentals

Certification: STK L1 Certification.

 

STK for Air

Advanced Course | 3 Lessons | STK Master Certified

Learn how STK is used to model and analyze aviation operations.

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft mission planning
  • Sensor modeling
  • Radar analysis
  • RF interference
  • Missile analysis
  • Aviator flight performance
  • Formation flying and aerial refueling

Certification: STK L2 Master Certification for Air (Coming Soon...)

 

 

STK for Space

Advanced Course | 5 Lessons | STK Master Certified

Advanced training focused on satellite operations, mission planning, and space analysis.

Topics Covered

  • LEO, MEO, and GEO mission analysis
  • Satellite databases
  • Connect commands
  • Advanced visualization
  • Space-focused premium capabilities

Certification: STK L2 Master Certification for Space. 

 

 

Available Courses on the STK

ODTK Essentials

Specialized Course | 5 Lessons | ODTK Certified

The definitive introduction to orbit determination and operational flight dynamics.

Topics Covered

  • Orbit determination fundamentals
  • Initial Orbit Determination (IOD)
  • Batch Least Squares
  • Extended Kalman Filter
  • Smoother processing
  • Maneuver estimation
  • Operational OD workflows

Certification: ODTK Essentials Certification.

 

 

Recommended Learning Paths

New to Space User 

Intro to Space → STK Essentials → STK for Space 

Air Domain Analyst

STK Essentials → STK for Air

Space Domain Analyst

STK Essentials → STK for Space → Advanced Space

Orbit Determination Analyst

ODTK Essentials

 

 

Enterprise Training

LaunchPad helps organizations standardize training, accelerate onboarding, and measure workforce proficiency across teams.

Benefits for Organizations

  • Faster onboarding of new personnel
  • Consistent training across teams
  • Certification tracking and reporting
  • Reduced training costs
  • Self-paced learning for distributed organizations
  • Custom training content available
  • Expert-led training options available

 

 

Ready to Launch?

Request Access, Schedule a Demo, or Learn More please contact support@blacknightspace.com