Competition Underway for AFA's StellarXplorers

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air Force Association (AFA) announced today that the 2015-2016 StellarXplorers National High School Space Challenge has closed registration with 25 teams representing ten states as well as the Department of Defense High School in Kaiserslautern, Germany.  This competition marks the second season of operation for the program as it continues through the Pilot National Deployment phase. 

The StellarXplorers program is AFA's newest initiative committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To date, two practice rounds in November and December have been completed.  The StellarXplorers II teams will now begin to compete from their home locations in a series of online qualifying rounds that challenge them to determine orbital parameters, spacecraft concepts, and launch vehicle options to meet stringent mission requirements. Top teams from the online rounds will travel all-expenses-paid to Colorado Springs, CO for the StellarXplorers II National Finals Competition, April 12-15, 2016. There, the finalists will have the opportunity to compete for national honors, as well as the opportunity to network with government and industry sponsors.

"Our association has long been committed to the expansion of STEM education and we couldn't be more thrilled about the growth of our programs," said Larry Spencer, AFA President.  "StellarXplorers is another fun, educational approach to attracting young people to the STEM education and careers our country needs."

To follow along with the competition season and to learn more about the program, please visit the StellarXplorers website. 

Supporters of StellarXplorers include the US Air Force STEM Program, Orbital ATK, Kratos Defense, Analytic Graphics, Inc, and the Space Foundation.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage.

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SOURCE Air Force Association

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