Launching Minds: Bringing Real-World Space Missions into Your Classroom with the StellarXplorers Space Design Competition

Inspiring the next generation of physicists and engineers starts with hands-on learning, and the StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition offers a platform to do just that. This presentation highlights how the StellarXplorers program can transform the way middle and high school students engage with physics by incorporating real-world applications in space exploration and design. Through a series of online, team-based challenges, students apply principles of physics, math, and engineering to solve problems related to space missions (orbit planning, satellite design, and launch operations), fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The program offers teachers a structured yet flexible framework to bring these concepts into the classroom in an exciting and interactive way. By participating, students not only gain a deeper understanding of physics but also develop teamwork and communication skills that are essential for success in any field. This session will explore how educators can bring StellarXplorers into their classrooms and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, all while making physics come to life in a way that is both fun and educational.