Quick look: Six juniors from Fullerton Union High School have advanced to the national finals of the StellarXplorers space systems competition after finishing among the top 10 teams out of 388 nationwide. The team will travel to Denver in April to compete for the national championship.
When a group of students at Fullerton Union High School entered the StellarXplorers space systems competition this year, they weren’t just signing up for another club.
They were signing up to solve complex space mission problems — and now they’re headed to the national finals.
The six-member team of juniors recently advanced to the StellarXplorers National Finals, placing them among the top 10 teams out of 388 nationwide in the annual competition created by the Air & Space Forces Association. The team will travel to Denver in April to compete for the national championship.
Led by Fullerton Union High School teacher Jim Pitochelli, who teaches AP physics and engineering design, the team — known as “Emperor Zurg’s Henchmen” — spent months tackling realistic space mission challenges designed to mirror the work of aerospace engineers.
Each round of the competition gives teams a detailed scenario with a client mission, budget and technical constraints. Over a timed six-hour window, students must determine the most efficient way to design and launch a satellite capable of completing the mission.
Real-world scenarios
“The competition involves solving real-world space design scenarios and challenges related to satellites — launching, orbital placement and speed, payload, instrumentation and sensors, and more,” Pitochelli said. “Teams are given a scenario detailing a customer’s mission, budget and constraints, and they must determine the most efficient and effective way to get the job done.”
Previous scenarios included missions to monitor wildfires from space and track volcanic activity, requiring teams to analyze orbital mechanics, satellite systems and mission logistics.
Despite the steep learning curve, the newly formed Fullerton team quickly found its footing.
“StellarXplorers is the most unique club I have joined,” said team captain Merritt Lee. “It focuses hugely on critical thinking and problem solving, unlike any other program. Creating a new team this year has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, with new members adapting very quickly to Stellar’s variety of challenges. I am so excited to go to the finals this year and meet other teams.”
Launchpad for learning
Now the students will face their biggest challenge yet. At the national finals, teams must complete a new mission scenario and present their solutions to a panel of aerospace industry experts before the national champions are announced.
For the Fullerton students — all AP Physics juniors — the experience has already proven to be a launchpad for deeper exploration into engineering and space science.
And the team name? According to Pitochelli, the students ultimately chose “Emperor Zurg’s Henchmen” — a playful nod to the Toy Story villain — over his own suggestion of “Project FUHSion.”
To infinity and beyond? Perhaps. But first, the journey continues next month in Denver.