A NASA report published Aug. 3, 2026, described the 2026 Louisiana Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students campaign, known as LaACES, which sent student-built experiments to near-space altitudes from the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas. According to the report, two balloons lifted off on the morning of May 19, marking the 74th and 75th launches in the facility's collaboration with the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium. The campaign involved 11 payloads built by nine Louisiana university teams — Louisiana State University, Northwestern State, Southeastern Louisiana State, McNeese State, Loyola University and Southern University — along with one high school team, St. Joseph's Academy.

Research objectives listed in the report included atmospheric science, cosmic ray detection, thermal management, ultraviolet characterization, stratospheric wind analysis and solar cell performance. Facility personnel provided weather briefings, helium fills and launch-line guidance. Both missions were reported as completed successfully and recovered about 60 miles north of the launch site near Ben Wheeler, Texas. The balloons were described as capable of supporting 7- to 9-pound payloads.

Students later analyzed their data and presented findings to facility engineers, faculty mentors and peers. Funded by NASA's National Space Grant College and Fellowship program, LaACES is a statewide program of the Louisiana Space Grant Consortium; the report said it has supported more than 500 students across 13 higher-education institutions, with over 60 balloon flights and roughly 135 unique payloads.