The StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition is a fun, team building, space system design competition that starts in October and ends in April, where students are challenged to solve orbit planning, satellite component, and launch vehicle selection scenarios presented each round. Working in partnership with leaders in the U.S. space industry, the StellarXplorers Aerospace STEM Program challenges students toward careers in space or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines essential to our nation’s future.

When participating in the competition, each team is given one scenario during their six-hour competition period (eight-hour competition period for Finals). This includes determining orbits, picking satellite components, and selecting launch vehicles that meet mission requirements throughout the rounds of competition. Each qualifying round is proceeded by a practice round that covers the corresponding tasking. For example, the first practice round consists of selecting orbit characteristics to meet the mission requirements, and the qualifying round covers selecting an orbit but is a little more challenging. Top teams advance to the Semi-Final Round, and the best of the best advance to the in-person National Finals Competition.

All rounds of competition, except for the National Finals Competition, take place online. Teams may meet at and compete from any location – classroom, computer lab, public library, home, etc. Teams qualifying for the National Finals Competition travel all-expenses-paid to the Finals location in the spring. StellarXplorers is designed for any student, regardless of prior space or orbital mechanics knowledge. Training materials are available through the StellarXplorers website and AGI. Instructions for competition round preparation are emailed directly to coaches prior to each round.

Website: www.stellarxplorers.org

Managing Organization: Air Force Association

Contact:

info@stellarxplorers.org

Eligibility:
Each StellarXplorers team must consist of between two and six competitors enrolled in a participating school or organization and a team director. Teams generally consist of 9th-12th graders, however there are teams that may compete at the Middle School level, especially at schools where the middle & high school grades are on the same campus.

Registration Opens: April 30, 2022

Registration Closes: October 1, 2022

The StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition is a fun, team building, space system design competition that starts in October and ends in April, where students are challenged to solve orbit planning, satellite component, and launch vehicle selection scenarios presented each round. Working in partnership with leaders in the U.S. space industry, the StellarXplorers Aerospace STEM Program challenges students toward careers in space or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines essential to our nation’s future.

When participating in the competition, each team is given one scenario during their six-hour competition period (eight-hour competition period for Finals). This includes determining orbits, picking satellite components, and selecting launch vehicles that meet mission requirements throughout the rounds of competition. Each qualifying round is proceeded by a practice round that covers the corresponding tasking. For example, the first practice round consists of selecting orbit characteristics to meet the mission requirements, and the qualifying round covers selecting an orbit but is a little more challenging. Top teams advance to the Semi-Final Round, and the best of the best advance to the in-person National Finals Competition.

All rounds of competition, except for the National Finals Competition, take place online. Teams may meet at and compete from any location – classroom, computer lab, public library, home, etc. Teams qualifying for the National Finals Competition travel all-expenses-paid to the Finals location in the spring. StellarXplorers is designed for any student, regardless of prior space or orbital mechanics knowledge. Training materials are available through the StellarXplorers website and AGI. Instructions for competition round preparation are emailed directly to coaches prior to each round.

Website: www.stellarxplorers.org

Managing Organization: Air Force Association

Contact:

info@stellarxplorers.org

Eligibility:
Each StellarXplorers team must consist of between two and six competitors enrolled in a participating school or organization and a team director. Teams generally consist of 9th-12th graders, however there are teams that may compete at the Middle School level, especially at schools where the middle & high school grades are on the same campus.

Registration Opens: April 30, 2022

Registration Closes: October 1, 2022