International Space Settlement Design Competition

The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) challenges high school students to work as engineering teams designing a realistic, large-scale space settlement. Over an annual competition cycle, participants respond to a detailed industry-style Request for Proposal (RFP), develop technical designs across systems (structures, life support, operations, automation, and more), and present their proposals to judges with aerospace and engineering backgrounds. Qualifying rounds may occur at regional, national, or online levels, leading to an international final event for top teams.

This program is well-suited for students interested in STEM, especially aerospace, mechanical or systems engineering, architecture, computer science, and project management. Participants gain experience in:

• Collaborative problem-solving under time constraints
• Technical communication, including written reports and oral presentations
• Systems thinking, integrating multiple engineering and human factors

Involvement in ISSDC can strengthen college applications by demonstrating sustained interest in engineering, the ability to work in large, interdisciplinary teams, and experience tackling open-ended, real-world design challenges. Students who enjoy complex projects, leadership roles, and learning how large engineering organizations operate will find the competition particularly rewarding. For current details on qualification pathways, eligibility, and schedule, students should consult the official website: http://spaceset.org/.

How much does International Space Settlement Design Competition cost?

We have not verified what International Space Settlement Design Competition costs. Our catalog holds no confirmed price for it, and an unpriced entry means exactly that — unpriced, not free. Check the official site before assuming either way.

Who is eligible for International Space Settlement Design Competition?

Our catalog has International Space Settlement Design Competition open to high school students in grades 9–12, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is International Space Settlement Design Competition online or in person?

International Space Settlement Design Competition is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components.

How do I apply to International Space Settlement Design Competition?

Apply directly through Space Settlement Institute / Space Settlement Design Competition's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.