History

In September 2014, the Air & Space Forces Association received a request from the Secretary of the US Air Force to develop a national space design competition, (something similar to CyberPatriot - AFA’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition and flagship STEM program). Bill Yucuis, an aerospace engineer with years of experience coordinating an Aerospace Magnet Program, was tasked as the chair of the committee that would go on to build the program from the ground up. Air Force retired space experts, Tim Brock and Stephen Gourley, along with AFA figurehead David "Buck" Buckwalter, came together to create StellarXplorers. For its first six competition seasons, the program was entirely volunteer-run. A small full-time staff now committed to StellarXplorers, but the volunteers still play a major role in this one-of-a-kind space education that is challenging students around the world. 

Who We Are

ELIGIBILITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Participation in StellarXplorers will not be restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, experience, gender identity, gender expression, or sex.​

MISSION

Working in partnership with leaders in the U.S. space industry, space-focused academia, and government entities, the Air Force Association (AFA) developed the StellarXplorers Program to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers through an exciting space-focused competition.

VISION

Through StellarXplorers, we are cultivating the leaders in STEM with strong moral character, leading the way to space and beyond.​ We welcome anybody with an interest in space, regardless of their prior experience.

CORE VALUES

Integrity. Honesty and ethical participation from all involved in the program.
Service. Volunteers must put competitor well-being and education ahead of their own throughout all StellarXplorers-related activities.
Excellence. The competition pushes competitors to achieve their best, during and beyond the program.

PURPOSE

StellarXplorers welcomes those who are interested in space, no matter what level of experience, as a place to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others who share a similar passion for problem-solving, team collaboration, and space system design. StellarXplorers provides students with leadership opportunities and mentors other students in science, technology, engineering, math, and organization management. StellarXplorers gives members insight into the space industry and cultivates relationships between students and professionals.