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WHAT IS THE NATIONAL SPACE DESIGN COMPETITION?
Solving real-world space design challenges!The StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition challenges teams of students to put their skills to the test in all-things space design. Open to students in grades 6-12, teams must solve orbit planning, satellite component, and launch vehicle selection scenarios presented in a series of online competition rounds... and no prior experience is required!
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Competition Overview
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All teams participating in the StellarXplorers competition are guaranteed three online rounds of competition. Each of these qualifying rounds is proceeded by a practice round that covers the expected round scenario. Round scenarios typically focus on determining orbits, picking satellite components, and selecting launch vehicles that meet mission requirements.
For each scored qualifying round, teams must submit their solution to the scenario within the allotted six-hour competition period. Some scenarios require teams to utilize Systems Tool Kit (STK), an accurate, physics-based modeling environment used to analyze platforms and payloads in a realistic mission context. Top teams in the qualifying rounds advance to the Semifinal Round, and from there the best-of-the-best (top 10 teams) 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 central location (classroom, computer lab, public library, home, etc.)
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Teams and Participants
The competition is primarily designed for high school students, however middle school students are welcome to participate (Note: Scenario level of difficulty remains the same for all teams). All students may compete provided the team is fielded by one of the organization types listed below:
There is no limit on the number of teams that an organization can field, as long as each team has between 2-6 competitors on its roster.
- Public, Private, Magnet, Charter, Parochial, Vo-Tech, and Home Schools
- Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force JROTC units
- Civil Air Patrol squadrons
- U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Divisions
- Scouting Units
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Youth STEM Programs
- Other approved youth organizations (upon approval)
There is no limit on the number of teams that an organization can field, as long as each team has between 2-6 competitors on its roster.
Team Director (required):
The team director is an adult leader (18+ years old, typically a teacher, JROTC instructor, administrator, parent, etc.) approved by the participating organization to act as the administrative lead of a StellarXplorers team. Team directors are the main point of contact for competition-related correspondence. A team can only have one director who may register up to five (5) teams. If a participating organization has more than five teams, an additional team director will be required.
Team directors are not required to have prior experience with the competition, nor do they need prior experience with STK software or orbital mechanics to serve in the role. The competition focuses on the problem-solving side of space system design and less on advanced physics or equations.
Competitors (required):
Every StellarXplorers team must consist of between two (2) and six (6) competitors, and every competitor on the team roster must be enrolled in the participating school or organization. Composite teams (made up of students from multiple organizations) are permitted on a case-by-cases basis. For more information on competitor eligibility, see the STLX Rules Book.
Technical Mentor (optional):
Technical mentors are optional (but recommended) adult team advisors/subject matter experts. Teams are not required to have a mentor, but it is encouraged if the team director need assistance training the competitors on the competition topics. Mentors must register with the StellarXplorers Program Office and complete a background check. Once approved a mentor may be contacted by a team director to assist with a StellarXplorers team. Mentors can choose to volunteer with a team (or multiple teams) and many or as few hours as they wish. There is not limit to the number of teams a mentor may assist, nor is there a limit to the number of mentors a team may work with. (Minimum age = 18)
The team director is an adult leader (18+ years old, typically a teacher, JROTC instructor, administrator, parent, etc.) approved by the participating organization to act as the administrative lead of a StellarXplorers team. Team directors are the main point of contact for competition-related correspondence. A team can only have one director who may register up to five (5) teams. If a participating organization has more than five teams, an additional team director will be required.
Team directors are not required to have prior experience with the competition, nor do they need prior experience with STK software or orbital mechanics to serve in the role. The competition focuses on the problem-solving side of space system design and less on advanced physics or equations.
Competitors (required):
Every StellarXplorers team must consist of between two (2) and six (6) competitors, and every competitor on the team roster must be enrolled in the participating school or organization. Composite teams (made up of students from multiple organizations) are permitted on a case-by-cases basis. For more information on competitor eligibility, see the STLX Rules Book.
Technical Mentor (optional):
Technical mentors are optional (but recommended) adult team advisors/subject matter experts. Teams are not required to have a mentor, but it is encouraged if the team director need assistance training the competitors on the competition topics. Mentors must register with the StellarXplorers Program Office and complete a background check. Once approved a mentor may be contacted by a team director to assist with a StellarXplorers team. Mentors can choose to volunteer with a team (or multiple teams) and many or as few hours as they wish. There is not limit to the number of teams a mentor may assist, nor is there a limit to the number of mentors a team may work with. (Minimum age = 18)
Registration Fees & Payment
The cost per team is $200.
Fees are waived for:
You will receive an invoice once your team is approved. Payment is due by November 15 and may be submitted by check, ACH, or credit card. Purchase orders are also accepted. If needed, a W-9 for the Air and Space Forces Association is available for download.
Fees are waived for:
- Title 1 schools
- All-girl teams
- JROTC, CAP and USNSCC teams (all team members must be part of the unit/squadron to be eligible for this waiver).
You will receive an invoice once your team is approved. Payment is due by November 15 and may be submitted by check, ACH, or credit card. Purchase orders are also accepted. If needed, a W-9 for the Air and Space Forces Association is available for download.
