Australian Space Design Competition

Location:

Qualifying phase is virtual (school teams submit proposals remotely); the national finals are held at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.

Cost:

Entry fees apply (varies by school/region), payment deadline ~ 30 June 2025; finalists must pay additional fees for finals participation.

Contest Date:

Registrations open 23 April 2025

Application Deadlines:

Registration closes 30 June 2025

Eligibility:

Secondary school teams (Grades 9–12); Grade 8 may join if part of a team containing older students

Students work in simulation “engineering companies” of up to 12 people to respond to a futuristic Request for Tender (RFT) by designing a space settlement. Over the school year they prepare a detailed written proposal (≈45 pages), competing first nationally and then internationally. Top Australian teams earn an opportunity to represent Australia at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) held at Kennedy Space Center in Florida the following July.

Learn More

Please note: This information is compiled from publicly available sources and may change from year to year. Dates, locations, fees, and other details are subject to updates—please verify all information directly on the official competition website before applying.