StellarXplorers is a challenging, space system design competition involving all aspects of system development and operation with a spacecraft and payload focus. StellarXplorers provides specific training in the use of system simulation software, Systems Tool Kit (STK) as well as an online textbook as a curriculum supplement and study resource for online “team” Quizzes given during the competition. Teams are given a scenario describing the system’s mission and constraints and they provide a solution to a typical space design problem, such as orbit determination, satellite component selection, and launch vehicle planning. The Practice Rounds begin in October with three Qualification Rounds beginning in November and ending January to determine which teams advance to the Semi-Finals in February. Only the top 30% of teams qualify for the Semi-Finals. All three McMichael StellarXplorers teams qualified for the semi-finals.

The McMichael 1 team finished in the top ten overall nationwide. They have qualified for the national tournament to be held April 15-17th. In normal years, they would travel to Houston to compete against the other nine teams head to head. This year has been moved to virtual due to COVID and they will compete virtually instead. The team members are Austin Smith, Will Etringer, Spencer Stott, Jacob Swisher, Victoria Samsonova, and Alexandra Pell. McMichael Team 2 finished 25th overall and McMichael Team 3 finished 26th overall nationwide.