Important Deadlines
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OCT. 14, 2026 LAST DAY TO REGISTER TEAMS |
OCT. 21, 2026 LAST DAY TO REGISTER COMPETITORS |
NOV. 5, 2026 PAYMENT DEADLINE |
2026-2027 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. 8-11, 2026
Qualification (QR1) | Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2026
Qualification (QR1) | Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2026
ROUND 2 - ALL TEAMS
Practice (PR2) | Nov. 12-15, 2026
Qualification (QR2) | Dec. 3-6, 2026
Qualification (QR2) | Dec. 3-6, 2026
ROUND 3 - ALL TEAMS
Practice (PR3) | Jan. 7-10, 2027
Qualification (QR3) | Jan. 28-31, 2027
Qualification (QR3) | Jan. 28-31, 2027
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SEMIFINALS (SFR)
Feb. 18-21, 2027* The top 30% of teams qualify for the Semifinals (based on cumulative scores from QR1, QR2, and QR3) |
NATIONAL FINALS
Apr. 28-30, 2027* | Teams travel to location Apr. 27 The top 10 teams qualify for the National Finals (based on Semifinal Round scores) |
*Dates subject to change.
Registration Fees & Payment Process
While we’ve worked hard to keep participation costs low throughout the years, rising operational expenses and changes in program funding have required us to make adjustments to the registration fees and waiver structure. We understand this change may affect some participating schools and programs. If the new cost creates a challenge, please contact us at [email protected]. We remain committed to making StellarXplorers accessible to those teams that wish to participate.
High School & Middle School team = $250 / team
JROTC unit = $125 / team (all team members must be part of the unit to be eligible for this price).
Civil Air Patrol squadron = $125 / team (all team members must be part of the squadron to be eligible for this price)
All-Girl team = $125 / team
*Fees waived for teams at Title I Schools.*
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.
High School & Middle School team = $250 / team
JROTC unit = $125 / team (all team members must be part of the unit to be eligible for this price).
Civil Air Patrol squadron = $125 / team (all team members must be part of the squadron to be eligible for this price)
All-Girl team = $125 / team
*Fees waived for teams at Title I Schools.*
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.
