Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)
by Atlantis Erudition & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
Advance to International Space Settlement Design Competition
Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) is a competition by Atlantis Erudition & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd. for students in Class 9–12, open to students across India. Registration closes 1 Oct 2026.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 9–12
Fee
₹15,000
Duration
23 hours for Asian Finals
Format
Team · Teams of 12
Time needed
Significant time for proposal preparation and live competition, including research and design work.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 5 Mar 2026
- Registration closes
- 1 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 22 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027
To be Announced, Bangkok
About This Opportunity
The Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) is an annual event that challenges high school students to design a human settlement in space. This competition simulates the experience of working as an aerospace industry engineer, where teams respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) and develop a detailed 40-page design proposal for a space city. Each year presents a new design concept with unique requirements, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
This competition is open to high school students in grades 9 through 12, typically between 15 and 18 years of age. Participants should not be enrolled in a full-time college or university curriculum. Teams are encouraged to have diverse talents, including designers, writers, and students inclined towards engineering, human engineering, and business.
Finalist teams from across Asia are selected to compete in a live competition, where they collaborate with real engineers. This experience provides invaluable management and real-time industry skills. Winners may advance to the International Space Settlement Design Competition at the Johnson Space Center, gaining global recognition and exposure to leading aerospace professionals.
The ARSSDC emphasizes teamwork, technical competence, and the ability to prepare effective documentation. It offers a unique platform for students to apply knowledge in space science, physics, math, chemistry, environmental science, biology, computer science, writing, speaking, and art in a practical, industry-simulated environment.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 9–12
- Age Range
- 15 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
High school students not studying in a full-time college or university curriculum.
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with high school science and mathematics
- Creative and innovative thinking
- Understanding of business and economics concepts
- Winners of Indian Nationals – Space Settlement Design Competition (INSSDC) for Indian students
High school students in grades 9-12 (ages 15-18) are eligible. Participants must not be enrolled in a full-time college or university curriculum. This competition is open to teams from across Asia, including India.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition involves designing a space settlement based on a Request for Proposal (RFP), covering structural design, operations, infrastructure, automation, schedule, costs, and business development. It requires integrating knowledge from various STEM disciplines to create a comprehensive and viable design.
Rewards & Recognition
Certificate
Participation & Achievement Certificates
Participants receive a certificate recognizing their involvement and achievements in the Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation provides a competitive edge for admissions to top universities for engineering, science, and design programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to STEM and advanced problem-solving abilities.
Career pathways
Participation significantly enhances career prospects in STEM fields, particularly aerospace and space exploration, by providing practical experience and a strong portfolio. It also opens doors to internships and mentorships within the industry.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Simulates real-world aerospace industry work.
- Mentorship from industry experts during the finals.
- Focus on management and real-time industry skills.
- Opportunity to design a city in space for over 10,000 people.
- Annual change in design concept and requirements.
Rounds & format
The competition consists of two rounds: a qualifying round and the finals. In the qualifying round, teams register, receive an RFP, and submit a 40-page design proposal. Selected teams advance to the Asian Finals. In the finals, teams are grouped into companies and work for 23 hours to create a 50-slide presentation to a panel of judges.
How entries are judged
Proposals are judged on structural integrity, operating efficiency, use of computers and robotics, pleasant living conditions, and adherence to the RFP requirements. Designs should be based on reasonable interpretations of existing technology, laws of physics, and common sense.
Selection process
For the finals, the best 15 proposals are shortlisted, comprising 10 semifinalists and 5 runners-up.
How to apply
- 1Teams must register online and pay the registration fee.
- 2Receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) document.
- 3Prepare a detailed 40-page design proposal based on the RFP.
- 4Submit the completed proposal by the specified deadline.
- 5Selected teams will advance to the Asian Finals, which may require travel.
How to prepare
- Review previous year's proposals from NASA Ames Space Settlement Design Contest.
- Read books by scientists on future energy, food production in space, etc.
- Research space colonization basics, O'Neil cylinder, Stanford Torus, and Lewis One space colony.
- Familiarize with high school science and math concepts.
- Develop creativity and research skills.
- Learn about astronaut life in the International Space Station (ISS).
- Gain familiarity with design software like Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max, or Blender.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Registration fees for Indian teams are ₹15,000. For other Asian teams, the fee is USD 250. Further instructions regarding payment will be sent upon registration. Participants are also responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs if they qualify for the Asian Finals in Dubai or Malaysia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)?
The registration deadline is 1 Oct 2026.
Is Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) free?
₹15,000 registration
Who can participate in Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)?
Students in Class 9–12. children aged 15-18.
What will my child gain from Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)?
Advance to the International Space Settlement Design Competition at NASA Johnson Space Center.. Gain global recognition from organizations like NASA and leading aerospace companies.. Gain hands-on experience in aerospace engineering design.. Develop critical management and industry-relevant skills.. Opportunity to collaborate with real engineers and industry experts.. Chance to compete at the International Space Settlement Design Competition.. Enhance teamwork and communication abilities.. Build a strong portfolio for higher education and career opportunities.. National and international recognition for innovative designs.. Receive certificates of participation and achievement..
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