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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 determination, satellite design, and launch operations 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 optimal orbits, choosing satellite components, or 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, team member's home, etc.)
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Teams & 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, and no more than five teams are assigned to a single team director.
- 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, and no more than five teams are assigned to a single team director.
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 National Space Design Competition 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 National Space Design Competition 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)
Schedule & Fees
2024-2025 StellarXplorers Competition Dates
The competition consists of three online qualifying rounds (each with its own practice round), an online semifinal round, and an in-person National Finals Competition. During the scheduled competition round, a team selects a 6-hour window (consecutive) to complete the assigned tasks. All teams are guaranteed participation in the three practice and qualifying rounds.
After the third qualifying round, the top 30% of teams earn a spot in the Semifinal Round. From there, the top 10 teams qualify for the in-person National Finals event. This is an all-expenses paid trip to compete for educational grants (awarded to the top three teams).
After the third qualifying round, the top 30% of teams earn a spot in the Semifinal Round. From there, the top 10 teams qualify for the in-person National Finals event. This is an all-expenses paid trip to compete for educational grants (awarded to the top three teams).
ROUND 1 - ALL TEAMS
Practice (PR1) | Oct. 9-13, 2024
Qualification (QR1) | Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2024
Qualification (QR1) | Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2024
ROUND 2 - ALL TEAMS
Practice (PR2) | Nov. 13-17, 2024
Qualification (QR2) | Dec. 5-8, 2024
Qualification (QR2) | Dec. 5-8, 2024
ROUND 3 - ALL TEAMS
Practice (PR3) | Jan. 8-12, 2025
Qualification (QR3) | Jan. 23-26, 2025
Qualification (QR3) | Jan. 23-26, 2025
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SEMIFINALS (SFR)
February 13-16, 2025 The top 30% of teams qualify for the Semifinals (based on cumulative scores from QR1, QR2, and QR3) |
NATIONAL FINALS
April 23-25, 2025 | Teams travel to Denver, CO The top 10 teams qualify for the National Finals (based on Semifinal Round scores) |
Registration Fees & Payment Process
The cost per team is $200.
Fees are waived for:
You will receive an invoice once your team is approved. Payment 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 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.
Rules and Training
Team members (team directors, competitors, mentors) should read the rules book prior to the start of the competition season to ensure they understand the policies and procedures of the competition.
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StellarXplorers is designed for any student, regardless of their prior space or orbital mechanics knowledge. Use our free training materials to prepare for the competition.
Additional instructions for competition preparation are emailed directly to team directors prior to each round. |
