StellarXplorers

Be excited to learn about orbital mechanics and how satellites function and are constructed and launched. Cadets will learn about the StellarXplorers program and how to participate and learn concepts to help them in that competition. They will also learn of career opportunities in the space industry. 

Although this course is designed as an introduction to the StellarXplorers squadron activity, cadets that have previously participated in STLX may get a better understanding of the concepts. 

Cadets will learn about:

• Orbital Mechanics and how satellites are placed into orbits to satisfy mission requirements. 

• The cost, weight and functionality tradeoffs that must be made to have a successful mission. 

• The Systems (Satellite) Tool Kit (STK) software and use it during the class to develop solutions to mission requirements. 

• Advanced spread sheet techniques helpful in doing the cost/benefit analysis for satellite component selection.

This course is part of the University of Rocky Mountain Region is a collection of activities which serves seniors and cadets on the United States Air Force Academy Campus. 

Contact for Activity: wblatchley@cap.gov

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16K8dST16c/

Note: Cadets enrolled in Cadet Wings are not eligible for national activities until they complete the program or are disenrolled.

Registration Prerequisites:

The following are required at the time of application:

• Must be at least age 14 by the first day of the activity

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

Cadets: There are no cadet staff positions at this activity. 

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

• Applicants should be prepared for an interview to discuss qualifications

Please contact the Activity Director to learn more about current staff needs or openings.

Apply in Registration Zone

Applications will be accepted from 15 December through 15 January at 12pm Central.  

Parent, Unit and Wing Approval deadlines must be met in order for an application to be considered. 

All participant and staff applications must be submitted via Registration Zone in eServices. 

Lift/Top is a needs-based financial assistance program. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you may have the option to receive a partial travel reimbursement towards round trip transportation to and from the activity. Lift/Top recipients must accept their slot in writing in order to receive this financial support.

CAP Cadet Scholarships: Through the generosity of our supporting donors, some CAP scholarships focus on supporting cadet attendance at NCSAs through a merit-based application process. Please see the Scholarship page to see the full list of available Activity Scholarships.

How to apply:

• Applications for both Lift/Top and CAP Scholarships are located in Registration Zone.

• You must apply for each program for which you wish to be considered.

• Lift/Top and each CAP Cadet Scholarship have their own individual Registration Zone events, separate from activity applications.

Important:

• Applying for these financial support programs does not guarantee financial assistance will be offered.

• Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity.

• You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity.

• You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.

The deadline to apply for these financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted.

• Complete 80% of the activity requirements 

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior issues

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

• Activity Staff will not be able to accommodate cadets using the airlines' Unaccompanied Minor service

• Activity Staff will provide transportation to and from Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (KCOS)

• Participants may fly into Denver International Airport (KDEN) and then use public shuttle, at their own expense, to get to Colorado Springs

• Additional details will be provided after slotting

Required Staff Training on TBD at TBD