Prior to participating, all team directors, mentors, and competitors should have a good understanding of the rules and procedures outlined in the official StellarXplorers Rules Book PDF below. 
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​THE DOCUMENT BELOW IS CURRENT AS OF:
30 SEPTEMBER 2026
​If you are a returning participant, please be aware of the new changes for the current competition season (addressed on page 3):
  • STK 13.0.1* Premium is the required software package for this season, as it includes the Planetary Data Supplement.​ STLX recommends Teams use 13.0.1 for this season, but teams may use 13.0.0 or 13.1.0, if they already have it on their machines. 
  • Clarified language around Academic Quizzes, updated when part of the competition, defined "open book" reference, and aligned language around scoring late quizzes to current standards.
  • Clarified Alternate Competition Times for teams unable to completed during the established competition window. 
  • Outlined requirements for International Team Travel to National Finals, to ensure awareness as teams register for the competition.
  • Aligned language around Awards to reflect current practices.
  • Limited advancement to National Finals to two teams from the same school, organization, or Team Director.