AFA Connect
How to start a StellarXplorers team
StellarXplorers welcomes students in grades 6–12 to solve space mission design problems. The competition is designed primarily for high school students, but middle school students can enter at the same difficulty level. No prior experience is required.
2026–27 competition guide · Reviewed
- Who can compete?
- Students in a school or approved youth organization, including home schools, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, and scouting groups.
- Team size
- 2–6 competitors and an adult team director. A director can lead up to 5 teams; technical mentors are optional.
- Competition format
- Three practice and qualifying rounds; teams choose a continuous 6-hour period for each scored qualifying round. Advancing teams reach semifinals and then in-person National Finals.
Official competition overview and eligibility
2026–27 registration fees
- High school or middle school
- $250 per team
- JROTC unit
- $125 per team
- Civil Air Patrol squadron
- $125 per team
- All-girl team
- $125 per team
- Title I school
- Fee waived
The JROTC and Civil Air Patrol rates require every team member to belong to that unit or squadron. Contact the program office if the cost creates a barrier.
Check current fees and waiversRegistration deadlines
These dates apply to the 2026–27 season. Current program instructions control; confirm them before submitting or paying.
2026–27 competition schedule
Reviewed September 23, 2026
- Practice round 1
- October 8–11, 2026
- Qualifying round 1
- October 29–November 1, 2026
- Practice round 2
- November 12–15, 2026
- Qualifying round 2
- December 3–6, 2026
- Practice round 3
- January 7–10, 2027
- Qualifying round 3
- January 28–31, 2027
- Semifinals
- February 18–21, 2027
- National Finals
- April 28–30, 2027 (travel April 27)
The official schedule controls. Check it before planning travel or a competition session; dates can change.
Check the official competition scheduleRegister through the official program
- An adult team director submits a separate official registration form for each team. Students should not submit the team registration form.
- After verification and approval, the program sends an invoice and competitor registration instructions. Register students and arrange payment by the separate deadlines.
- Prepare the computers and use the program’s training resources before the first competition round.
Before your team gets started
Can students use a Chromebook or MacBook?
The current competition specifications require Windows 10 or 11 computers and Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK); MacBooks and Chromebooks are not supported. Ask school IT to review installation privileges, device licenses, and allowed websites before training begins.
StellarXplorers technical specificationsIs StellarCamp the same as the competition?
No. StellarCamp is a separate introductory curriculum for grades 6–12. The listed $99 price buys the camp package, not competition registration. Hosts choose their dates; a five-day format is encouraged, and individual self-paced study is possible. Check STK license dates before planning a camp.
StellarCamp format and package