Olena Sarkisova, Vadim Leftor THE ORGANIZATION OF AEROSPACE CLUBS AND SECTIONS: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND WAYS OF ADDRESSING THEM

Abstract

Abstract. The article examines the current state and challenges of organizing aerospace-oriented clubs and sections in Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on their crucial role in career guidance for young people and in forming the human resource potential of the aviation and space industry. The study identifies the main obstacles faced by extracurricular and university education: limited opportunities for direct astronomical observations due to martial law, light pollution, and weather conditions; moral and technical obsolescence of material and technical resources; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war, which have shifted much of the educational process to a distance format; as well as demographic factors that reduce the number of participants. The article proposes ways to overcome these challenges. In particular, it highlights alternative observational methods, such as radio detection of meteor echoes and solargraphy, which remain feasible under various circumstances. Special attention is given to the integration of STEM laboratories into the activities of clubs, which enables automation of observations and deeper engagement of students in research. The international dimension is emphasized through participation in citizen science projects on the Zooniverse platform, which allows young people to work with real scientific data, integrate into the global research community, and achieve high performance in competitions. The paper also addresses the problems of scientific discussion clubs at higher education institutions, including the heterogeneous preparation levels of students, the complexity of narrow specialized research topics, and the mismatch between traditional formats and modern student expectations. Directions for modernization are suggested, including adaptation of topics, the use of interactive and practice-oriented formats, digital tools, and the involvement of students in international educational and research initiatives.