AFA StellarXplorers

AFA's Space Design STEM Program, feature the National Space Design Competition and StellarCamps.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Let the Orbit Planning begin! Practice Round 1 of the 2026-2027 Space Design Competition is officially underway. Good luck everyone! (And if you aren't signed up but want to participate, there's still time to register a team...)

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

T-Minus One Week! Registration for this year's StellarXplorers competition closes in 1 week!

The countdown is on. Secure your spot, ignite your curiosity, and prepare for liftoff into an unforgettable competition season!

#SpaceEducation #STEM #AFA #StudentCompetition

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Every year, AFA awards $20,000 in grants to 40 educators poised to make a lasting difference. AFA Educator Grant applications are accepted from September 1 through December 15. Learn more at https://t.co/rIGzb4305L.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

AFA is proud to offer $250 grants to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) units to advance aerospace education and STEM initiatives for cadets and in outreach initiatives. Learn more at https://t.co/rIGzb43xVj.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Only four weeks left to register your high school or middle school for the Space Design Competition -- an exciting and hands-on experience where real-world space challenges are solved right from the classroom. Learn more at https://t.co/iNRFHN4xP6.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

A big moment for the future of STEM! 🚀 During AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference, @L3HarrisTech presented StellarXplorers with a $50,000 donation, helping us continue to engage, educate, and inspire the future space workforce. #STEM #AFANational

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

AFA offers grants of $500 to Air and Space Force JROTC units to advance aerospace education in the classroom. These grants enhance students’ understanding of the critical role aerospace plays in today and tomorrow’s society. Learn more at https://t.co/rIGzb4305L

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Calling all space professionals! Help inspire the next generation of space leaders by volunteering as a StellarXplorers Technical Mentor. Flexible commitment, meaningful impact, and an opportunity to help students explore real-world space missions.

#STEMEducation #SpaceIndustry

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

⏰ Registration for the 2026-2027 StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition closes October 14!

Don't miss the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with space mission planning, teamwork, leadership, and STEM problem solving.

Register today!

#STEM #AFA

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 National Space Design Competition winners!
1st: The California Academy of Mathematics & Science (Carson, CA)
2nd: Great Mills High School (Great Mills, MD)
3rd: Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron CAP (Colorado Springs, CO)

https://t.co/ffIRu01t9s

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Last but not least, the StellarBoomers of Woodward High School in Woodward, OK complete the lineup as the sixth team to earn a first-time National Finals berth this year.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

From Lacey, WA, the Little Einsteins of Pope John Paul II High School are headed to Denver after securing their first-ever National Finals qualification.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

B-2 Spirit from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills Estates, CA continues the school’s legacy of StellarXplorers excellence. PVPHS is a two-time National Champion, and this year marks its seventh consecutive and tenth overall National Finals qualification.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Space Dawg Bravo from James Bowie High School Air Force JROTC in Austin, TX, is a first-time qualifier, and one of just two JROTC units to make it to this year's National Finals.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Returning to the National Finals for the fourth time, Great Mills High School in Great Mills, MD brings both legacy and experience. The school claimed the championship in 2018, and this year “Buzz Back” with most of the squad that competed in the 2024 Finals.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

A first-year team from Fullerton, CA, Emperor Zurg's Henchmen, representing Fullerton Union High School, are captained by a member of last season's National Champion team.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

The small, but mighty group of seniors make up team Hyperion, representing East View High School Navy JROTC in Georgetown, TX. They are first-time National Finals qualifiers!

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

Back in the National Finals for the second year in a row, the Wolfpack of the Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron (Civil Air Patrol) has doubled its roster from two members to four.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

First time qualifiers, team Challenger is one of two Civil Air Patrol squadrons at this year's national finals. They are representing the Capt. "Bud" Jackson Composite Squadron from Edison, NJ.

[AFA StellarXplorers @AFA_STLX]

With the StellarXplorers National Finals Competition fast approaching, we're highlightng each of the ten teams making the trip to Denver, CO.

First up: The Stellar Fellars from California Academy of Mathematics & Science in Carson, CA. This is their second finals appearance.