Stellar Gateway Initiative Mission Patch

The Stellar Gateway Initiative is an ambitious series of aerospace education and infrastructure projects aimed at building up comprehensive, local Aerospace STEM ecosystems. With a core foundation in hands-on aerospace missions, STEM education, and career development, the Stellar Gateway Initiative creates unique learning opportunities for students and communities. The initiative is designed to inspire future generations, empower educators, and drive economic growth in the aerospace sector through its immersive ChipSat Launch Missions, Aerospace STEM Hubs, and Career, Research, & Business Centers.

Stellar Gateway Projects

  • Puerta Estelar: Puerto Rico
  • Porte Stellaire: Sénégal
  • More Coming Soon…
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ChipSat Launch Mission Image

Element #1: ChipSat Launch Missions

Students participate in a real aerospace mission around the launch of the tiniest type of satellite, the ChipSat. Our ChipSats, called “Sparks,” are launched up past the boundary to space by a Ground-Based Launcher and collect data about space and the atmosphere during their descent back to Earth’s surface. Sparks can also provide information about bodies of water as they float along with the currents!

Participants take a real or virtual seat at Mission Control and are guided by a live broadcaster through the mission, from pre-briefing to touchdown.

Element #1 introduces aerospace in the most exciting way possible, generates interest in careers in high-tech industries, and provides a motivational experience that really “sticks”.

Aerospace STEM Hub Image

Element #2: Aerospace STEM Hubs

Building on the excitement generated by the mission experience, this element provides both on-site activities and comprehensive classroom resources to deepen student engagement.

At the heart of a Gateway is the STEM Hub, home to Mission Control, interactive exhibits, and indoor activity spaces. Outdoor areas are dedicated to hands-on experiences like model rocket launches and drone flights. For educators, an online repository offers a wealth of resources, including lesson plans, activity guides, teaching materials, and professional training.

This hub empowers students to develop the critical skills necessary for careers in aerospace and other frontier industries.

Career, Research, & Business Center Image

Element #3: Career, Research, & Business Centers

With interest and skills in-hand, we assist students with the next steps towards launching successful careers. As they advance through high school and college, we provide tailored support through mentoring, internships, job training, and career search assistance, leveraging relationships with regional and national businesses.

A business park surrounding each spaceport serves as the nexus for fostering local research projects and promoting entrepreneurship by creating a collaborative environment for aspiring innovators.