L3Harris Supports StellarXplorers With $50,000 to Reach More Students Nationwide

Arlington, Va. — L3Harris Technologies is investing $50,000  in AFA’s mission to inspire the next generation of space professionals through the StellarXplorers Space STEM Program. L3Harris presented the check to AFA President & CEO Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.) at AFA’s 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md. The generous gift marks the ninth consecutive year L3Harris has supported StellarXplorers at this level, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to STEM education and workforce development.

“L3Harris continues to play a vital role in helping us inspire and prepare the future space workforce,” said Rebecca Dalton, StellarXplorers Director of Operations. “Their generous support enables us to provide students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences that bring space and STEM concepts to life. As a result, we’re seeing students develop greater confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm for pursuing careers in the space industry.”

L3Harris’ contribution will help StellarXplorers reach more students across the country and widen access to STEM opportunities. The StellarXplorers competition challenges teams to plan high-fidelity simulated space missions and contend with factors such as choosing launch sites, designing satellites, and calculating orbits while developing key skills critical to STEM and aerospace careers.

Learn more about StellarXplorers.

About StellarXplorers

The StellarXplorers Space STEM Program, created by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), inspires high school and middle school students toward careers in space and other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future. The StellarXplorers National Space Design Competition provides specific training in the use of system simulation software, Systems Tool Kit (STK), as well as an interactive online course as a curriculum supplement and study resource for online quizzes given during the competition.

About AFA The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on airpower and spacepower. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.