StellarXplorers is a challenging, space system design competition involving all aspects of system development and operation with a spacecraft and payload focus.

This is an exciting hands-on learning experience that develops commercially valuable skills and increases appreciation for the critical role of space in our daily lives. The competition attracts all types of students with diverse backgrounds who will establish their own experiential base off accomplishment, all while building teamwork and leadership skills. Most of all … it is FUN!!!

StellarXplorers provides some specific training in the use of system simulation software, Systems Tool Kit (STK) as well as an online textbook as a curriculum supplement and study resource for online “team” Quizzes given during the competition. The actual competition is accomplished from the team’s home location. Teams are given a scenario describing the system’s mission and constraints and they provide a solution to a typical space design problem, such as orbit determination, satellite component selection, and launch vehicle planning. Practice Rounds begin in October with Qualification Rounds beginning in November that determine which teams advance to the Semi-Finals in February. The top 10 teams from the Semi-Finals will receive an all-expense-paid trip the National Finals.

• StellarXplorers Main Website

• Rule Book

During each competition round, teams are given a scenario describing the system’s mission and constraints and they provide a solution to a typical space design problem, such as orbit determination, satellite component selection, and launch vehicle planning. In preparation for the StellarXplorers Challenge, we are providing several examples of a typical scenarios that the team will receive during the competition. These scenarios will run on the basic STK program and does not require the Educational License. 

For each Qualifying Round of the competition, 20% of the total score will be based on an online Quiz. The Quizzes will be timed (30 minutes) and taken as a team (not individually). The Quizzes will consist of 20 Multiple Choice questions from selected Chapters of the Understanding Space textbook. For each Quiz, a Study Guide is available. The Quiz will be based on these Study Guides.

Teams will not be very successful if they wait to look at the textbook for the first time when they take the Quiz. In order to be successful, we highly recommend teams find the answers to the Study Guide Questions before taking the Quiz.

The textbook that is used for the instruction and quizzes in called "Understanding Space; An Introduction to Astronautics".  Cadets may access the book to reveiw for upcoming competitions and answers the study guide questions. Only 1 person is allowed to have the textbook open at a time. If you have trouble accessing the textbook contact you instructor.

Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics

Study Guides

Practice Round 1

Qualification Round 1

Qualification Round 2

Qualification Round 3

Semi Final

National Final