Stellar Explorers
STK is a software tool that allows engineers and scientists to design and develop complex dynamic simulations of real-world problems, especially those relating to satellites, spacecraft, and aircraft. Through CAP's partnership with Analytical Graphics, the makers of STK, cadets are invited to test-fly this state-of-the-art technology.
STK is a fantastic aerospace/STEM activity for cadets, students, and adults!
DID YOU KNOW that the Air Force Association (AFA) has an exciting and challenging national competition that involves the use of STK? StellarXplorers is a dynamic program and competition available to ANY high school team from schools, youth organizations, JROTC, OR CAP! The program leads to a national finals competition held each spring in CO Springs.
*** STLX IX (2023) competition is a wrap! CAP's New Jersey Wing Maj Thomas B McGuire Composite Squadron team placed in the top 10 in the national competition. The NATIONAL CHAMPION for the 2023 competition was Ratatoing from Edmond North High School Air Force JROTC in Edmond, OK. See National Winner CAP.NEWS story HERE.
STLX X (2024) competition registration is now open! See 2024 STLX Competition Schedule HERE. Find out all details at www.stellarxplorers.org!
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Plan now for the next season of STLX- with registration opening in April each year.
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For schools: Title I school fees are waived. School team registration is $200 for the first team; $100 for the second team; and all teams (up to three other teams) after that are free. Thus, five teams for $300!!!
To find out more about how the STLX program can help CAP squadrons, click the STLX Info Page for CAP.
Want to get started learning about STK? See info below!
How to Obtain a Free STK Software License:
Contact ae@capnhq.gov
Resources
STK Downloading Instructions - 2018 Update
STK Curriculum
STK PowerPoint - Orbital Mechanics
Lesson plans, slides, activity scenarios, etc. (6.6 mb Zip file)
Past CAP teams in the national STLX finals:
STLX IX (2023) NJ Wing, the Maj Thomas B McGuire Composite Squadron
STLX VII (2021) OR Wing, the Aurora Composite Squadron won the national championship. See CAP.NEWS article.
STLX VI (2020) OR Wing, the Aurora Composite Squadron placed 2nd nationally! See CAP.NEWS article.
STLX V (2019) MN Wing, the Anoka Composite Squadron See CAP.NEWS article.
STLX IV (2018) OR Wing, the Aurora Composite Squadron. See CAP.NEWS article.
STLX III (2017) OR Wing, the Aurora Composite Squadron. See CAP.NEWS article.
