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StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition 2024-2025 Results

In an impressive showcase of talent, creativity, and teamwork, the 2024-2025 StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition has concluded with the announcement of its champions. Held from April 24th to 25th at the Denver Sheraton Tech Center Hotel in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the competition brought together the top ten teams from across the United States, all of whom had previously triumphed in rigorous online rounds.

The crown for this season was clinched by “The Stellar Warriors”, a team hailing from Troy High School Navy Junior ROTC in Fullerton, California. Their victory is noteworthy as they are the first Navy JROTC unit to participate and win in this prestigious competition.

The StellarXplorers competition featured an impressive 375 teams at its inception. They faced a series of challenges that involved solving problems relating to orbit planning, satellite design, and mission launch operations. This multi-faceted approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) aims to engage students in challenges relevant to contemporary space exploration and technology.

Highlights of the Competition

The StellarXplorers is known for pushing boundaries, and this year was no different. Not only did The Stellar Warriors achieve a new milestone, but the season also saw:

• - The first-ever middle school team participate.
• - The first all-female team make it to the National Finals.
• - The first two-person team qualify for a National Finals Competition.

Team Director, CMD William Lauper, USN (Ret.), emphasized that StellarXplorers is a fantastic opportunity for the youth of today to engage with the relevant STEM challenges that will shape the future.

Team Feedback

Reflecting on her experience, Sophomore Team Captain Merritt Lee mentioned, “StellarXplorers was the first club that I joined in NJROTC. The connections made in the program have really become a central part of my high school career.” The immense support and camaraderie fostered through the competition were echoed by many participants, highlighting a community of budding innovators ready to explore the final frontier.

Apart from the competitive aspect, the National Finals also included the exploration of the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, providing teams with insights into diverse career opportunities within the space sector. Participants had the chance to interact with U.S. Space Force personnel and industry leaders from companies like United Launch Alliance, L3Harris, and Northrop Grumman.

Other Top Finishers

The competition's success can be attributed not just to its winners, but also to its strong contenders:

• - Second Place: