The StellarXplorers Program Office is in need of new sample scenarios that can be used by teams to prepare for the STLX Space Design Competition. Now is your chance to share with us your creativity and what you've learned through participating in the program.
The best scenarios will be awarded a $100* Amazon Gift card.
*If you received email communication about the contest, please ignore the $75 prize amount. That was an error... whoops! The real prize value is $100!
The best scenarios will be awarded a $100* Amazon Gift card.
*If you received email communication about the contest, please ignore the $75 prize amount. That was an error... whoops! The real prize value is $100!
All scenarios must be submitted to [email protected] by July 31, 2023.
Definition
A “sample” scenario is a space design competition exercise that may or may not include use of Ansys’s System Tool Kit (STK) simulation and evaluation tool. The current sample scenarios are posted on the StellarXplorers website (Training Materials page) and are available for organizations participating in or considering participation in the competition. They are simple, entry-level scenarios covering one of the phases of the competition: Orbit Planning, Satellite Design or Launch Operations. They are designed to give organizations a sample of the types of activities that are conducted during the competition. They are also used by registered teams to prepare for competition rounds.
Details
A sample scenario should be considered a learning tool. It should focus on using some basic concepts of space operations and the tools of STK.
Ambitious individuals can submit more than one scenario or submit a Semifinals-type scenario that would use two of the three competition areas listed above.
- In the orbit planning phase, use of STK to define orbits by inclination and altitude (apogee & perigee) is the focus. Also, use of STK tools such as “access” should be emphasized. The task of the exercise would be to find an orbit where a satellite can best perform a specific task, such as collecting as much data as possible or covering a global area as much as possible.
- In the satellite design phase, selections of the “best” set of equipment to perform a satellite’s mission from a pre-determined orbit would be the objective. Use of STK would again focus on use of the access function. Equipment evaluations would be based on a combination of the satellite’s performance towards the mission objective, its mass (weight) against the launch vehicle’s performance and the satellite’s total price against the overall mission’s budget.
- In the launch operations phase, selection of a launch vehicle to perform a specific mission would be the goal. In most cases, use of STK would not be required. The evaluation should be based on the rocket’s performance to meet the mission objective and the total cost of the launch vehicle service. Cost reduction methods such as flying CubeSats, MicroSats and MiniSats can be included. Calculations of a launch window can be included in the Launch Operations scenario.
Ambitious individuals can submit more than one scenario or submit a Semifinals-type scenario that would use two of the three competition areas listed above.
Summary
Teams, competitors, alumni, mentors, and team directors are all welcome to submit a scenario.
Scenario submissions for the contest should follow the format of the current Sample Scenarios found on the STLX website – www.stellarxplorers.org/training.html.
Scenario submissions for the contest should follow the format of the current Sample Scenarios found on the STLX website – www.stellarxplorers.org/training.html.
Send us your best scenario idea and win! Good luck!
