Community Spotlight: Meet Our Lead CTF Architect

For the past three years, one volunteer has been the driving force behind the Aerospace Village's wildly popular Capture the Flag (CTF) events: Alex "Circuit" Riley. We sat down with Alex to learn more about the magic that goes into creating these incredible challenges.

"It starts with a story," Alex explains. "For a CTF to be engaging, it needs a narrative. Last year, it was a hijacked drone; this year, a compromised satellite. The story informs the technical challenges." Alex spends months developing custom hardware, writing vulnerable code, and crafting the intricate puzzles that challenge hundreds of participants at our events.

From Player to Architect

A former CTF champion, Alex wanted to give back to the community that fueled their passion. "Volunteering with the Village was a natural fit. It's a way to use my skills to educate and inspire the next generation of aerospace security experts."

We are incredibly grateful for Alex's dedication and ingenuity. It's volunteers like Alex who make the Aerospace Village a special place for learning and growth. If you're interested in volunteering, check out our Get Involved page!