International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)
by Aerospace Education Competitions (AEC)
International Finals at NASA Kennedy Space Center
International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is a competition by Aerospace Education Competitions (AEC) for students in Class 8–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 8–12
Fee
Free
Duration
Qualifying rounds span several months, semi-finals are typically a weekend event, and international finals last multiple days.
Format
Team · Teams of 12
Time needed
Significant time commitment is required for design and proposal preparation over several months, including dedicated team meetings and research.
About This Opportunity
The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is an annual global event that simulates working on an aerospace company's proposal team. High school students form 'companies' to design a space colony based on a Request for Proposal (RFP). This competition is supported by leading aerospace, engineering, and education organizations, including NASA.
Participants are typically high school students in grades 9 through 12, generally between 15 and 18 years of age. While most entrants are school-affiliated teams, independent teams are also welcome. Regional qualifying rounds, such as the Indian National SSDC, serve as a quarter-final for the international event, allowing students from across India to participate.
Students gain invaluable experience in space science, physics, mathematics, chemistry, environmental science, biology, computer science, writing, speaking, and art. The competition cultivates technical competence, management skills, teamwork, and the ability to prepare effective documentation. It also provides a deep appreciation for the intricate relationships between technical products and human needs.
The ISSDC culminates in international finals, frequently held at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. Winning teams from regional competitions are invited to collaborate in multinational teams to design a new space settlement, presenting their detailed proposals to a panel of esteemed industry and academic experts.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 8–12
- Age Range
- 14 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Enrolled in full-time high school education
Prerequisites
- Strong interest in space, science, and engineering
- Ability to work effectively in a team
- Winners of Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)
Open to high school students in grades 8-12 (typically ages 14-18) who are enrolled in full-time high school education. Participants can be part of school-affiliated or independent teams.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition involves designing a space settlement based on a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP). This covers various aspects including structural engineering, operations and infrastructure, human factors, automation, business development, and cost analysis. Students apply interdisciplinary knowledge to create feasible and innovative designs.
Rewards & Recognition
Certificate
Certificate from AEC, NSS, NASA
Participants receive certificates of participation, and winning teams receive certificates of achievement recognized by leading aerospace and educational organizations like Aerospace Education Competitions (AEC), National Space Society (NSS), and NASA.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Significantly boosts college applications for competitive STEM programs at national and international universities, demonstrating advanced skills and dedication.
Career pathways
Directly prepares students for careers in aerospace engineering, space science, astrophysics, project management, and other STEM-related fields, significantly enhancing career prospects.
Recognition
International Recognition & Exposure
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Simulates real-world aerospace industry challenges
- Multinational team collaboration at international finals
- Mentorship from industry experts and former participants
- Focus on interdisciplinary problem-solving
Rounds & format
The competition is split into three main rounds: a qualifying round, a regional round, and the international finals. Qualifying rounds, such as the Indian National SSDC, involve teams submitting a 40-page proposal in response to an RFP. Winning teams from these qualifiers advance to the regional level and then to international finals, where they collaborate in multinational companies to design a new space settlement and present their briefings to a panel of judges.
How entries are judged
Proposals are judged on their adherence to the Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements, the feasibility and innovation of the design, technical competence, management skills demonstrated, and the effectiveness of the presentation. Specific criteria include structural engineering, operations and infrastructure, human factors, automation, business development, and schedule and costs.
Selection process
Teams are selected based on the quality and comprehensiveness of their design proposals submitted during the qualifying rounds. For the international finals, a select number of students from winning regional teams are invited. In the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC), teams are evaluated much like real aerospace contractors bidding on a project. The judging panel (engineers, scientists, industry experts) assesses how well each “company” meets the Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements.
How to apply
- 1Teams must register with the competition organizers to receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) and other essential documents.
- 2Proposals are to be prepared in response to the RFP, detailing the space settlement design.
- 3Submissions must be in PDF format and submitted by the specified deadline.
How to prepare
- Program Book with 'future history' information and RFPs
- Mentorship from industry professionals and former participants
- Sample proposals and design guidelines
Frequently asked questions
Is International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)?
Students in Class 8–12. children aged 14-18.
What will my child gain from International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)?
Opportunity to design a space settlement in a simulated aerospace industry environment. Develop critical STEM, management, and teamwork skills. Gain national and international recognition. Enhance college applications for STEM fields. Network with industry experts, engineers, and former participants from around the globe.. Potential to qualify for the International Finals held at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.. Receive certificates of participation and achievement from recognized aerospace and educational bodies..
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