The ATLAS Space Explorers Post 2025 is sponsored by ATLAS Space Operations. The Exploring program is an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America. This program is for teens and young adults, ages 12 to 19, who have an interest in learning more about careers in space technology. Youth leaders, under the guidance of adult advisors, run the program.

 

Post activities enhance Explorer preparation for future roles as productive citizens, responsible community members, and contributors to America’s continuing development as a Space Nation. This program is designed to mirror, to the greatest extent possible, the reality of working in a high end startup tech company.

 

The ATLAS Space Explorers have launched and recovered a simulated satellite to 98,000 ft which took a video of the Earth’s blue curvature against the black background of space, launched a tethered balloon in partnership with ATLAS Space Operations, and other governmental, academic, and business entities in determining the viability and value of the satellite based Unmanned Traffic Management System (UTM), and competed in the American Rocketry Challenge, the world’s largest student rocketry competition (although they were unable to complete the Challenge due to COVID-19). The ATLAS Space Explorers have also created and presented pitch decks to various potential investors, participated in a variety of space related forums, and exhibited at Maker Faire Detroit.

 

This year, they will participate in the Air Force Association’s StellarXplorers -The National High School Space Challenge - Virtual Competition.  This is an exciting hands-on learning experience that develops commercially valuable skills and increases appreciation for the critical role of space in our daily lives. The competition attracts all types of students with diverse backgrounds who will establish their own experiential base off of their accomplishments, all while building teamwork and leadership skills. Most of all, it's FUN!

 

ATLAS Space Operations is proud to sponsor the ATLAS Space Explorers Post 2025 and we are very excited that with this program, our Space Explorers have the opportunity to learn all about the system simulation software Systems Tool Kit (STK).  We are growing our future workforce with this relevant, real world learning because STK is used by ATLAS as an orbital analysis tool.  In addition to having our very own STK Subject Matter Expert, the training resources for this are online and the actual competition is accomplished from our home location.  As such, this is a perfect program for COVID-19 distancing.