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Getting Started

A video from Sareta Gladson, team captain of the STLX III National Champions.

​*Updated for 2024-2025 Season*

Team/Competition Checklist
View the STLX Rule Book
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STK Training

DOWNLOAD THE STK BASICS PRACTICE .VDF
DOWNLOAD THE CALCULATING ACCESS TIME PRACTICE .VDF
Additional STK training is publicly available online by visiting: AGI: Training and Certification.  
Note on STK 12 Known Issue:
Sometimes when changing the Perigee Altitude on the satellite’s Properties page, to say 800 km for example, you may get an error stating: “Value 800 km entered for ‘Perigee Altitude’ is invalid! Enter a real number whose range is 0 km and 0.000999999 km.” You can clear this error by changing the “Apogee Altitude” window to “Semimajor Axis” and then back to “Apogee Altitude”. It clears the error, and you can now change the “Perigee Altitude”” to the value you need.

Excel and Calculation Training Videos

DOWNLOAD THE PRACTICE EXCEL
Check the video's description for an important note!

Sample Scenarios

During each qualification round, students competing in the competition solve a scenario. Use these zipped folders of materials to practice on your own!​
ORBIT PLANNING
Orbit Planning 1
File Size: 2132 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

Orbit Planning 2
File Size: 1148 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

Orbit Planning 3
File Size: 14822 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

Orbit Planning 4 (NEW!)
File Size: 2327 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

SATELLITE DESIGN
Satellite Design 1
File Size: 2398 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

LAUNCH OPERATIONS
Launch Operations
File Size: 842 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

AREA MAPPING
Area Mapping
File Size: 2621 kb
File Type: zip
Download File

Quiz Study Materials

During each qualification round, students competing in the competition take an academic quiz. The academic quiz is based on Nova Space Inc's custom StellarXplorers Space Foundations Course. Teams will be provided access to the Nova Space Inc platform to work through the material and prepare for the quizzes. Available below are several study guides to assist with competition preparation!
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PR1 Quiz Study Guide
File Size: 294 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

QR1 Quiz Study Guide
File Size: 490 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

QR2 Quiz Study Guide
File Size: 278 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

QR3 Quiz Study Guide
File Size: 490 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

SFR Quiz Study Guide
File Size: 594 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

National Finals Study Guide
File Size: 177 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Additional Training from Outside Resources

The following training resources were developed by volunteer mentors who have been participating with the program for many years. While these are NOT official StellarXplorers training resources and are not maintained by the program staff, teams may find the materials useful in preparing for competition rounds and connecting with other participants. Views expressed within the platforms do not represent the views of StellarXplorers or the Air & Space Forces Association.
Inyalowda Space Academy Training (ISAT)
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Created by a long-time StellarXplorers technical mentor, this is a self-paced course to train students in the basics of Space Mission Design. Many lessons are based around Systems Tool Kit (STK) by Ansys Government Initiatives (AGI).  Lessons will focus on satellite orbit designs, satellite components, and launch vehicle selection.
StellarXplorers Discord Community
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Created and moderated by a StellarXplorers technical mentor, this community provides a place for StellarXplorers participants (team directors, competitors, and technical mentors) to connect and encourages learning outside of the traditional manner. 

StellarCamps (Paid Resource)

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Think of this program as a StellarXplorers "bootcamp."

The curriculum offers a glimpse into topics and challenges seen in the National Space Design Competition. Now available to organizations and individuals, this course provides foundational knowledge and skills to be successful in the Competition. A great tool to support new team directors and competitors, offering step-by-step guidance on solving Competition-style scenarios. 
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LEARN MORE ABOUT STELLARCAMPS

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  • Home
  • About
    • Alumni Network
    • Info Sessions
  • Competition
    • Team Registration
    • Mentor Registration
    • Training Materials
    • Current Season >
      • Announcements
      • Dates & Fees
      • Registered Teams
      • Rule Book
      • Scores
    • Past Seasons
  • Camps
    • Purchase the Camp
  • Media
    • Outreach Materials
    • StellarXpress Newsletter
    • News & Press Releases
    • Videos
  • Sponsors
    • Become a Sponsor
  • Contact Us
  • Donate