Space Settlement Design Competition
Location:
International; Regional rounds may be held virtually or in-person depending on your country. The International Finals are typically held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida or Johnson Space Center in Texas.
Cost:
Varies. Many regional rounds are free to enter; however, some may charge nominal fees. Travel and accommodation costs may apply for finalists.
Contest Date:
International Finals typically take place in late July or early August each year.
Application Deadlines:
Deadlines vary by region. U.S. qualifiers and essays are usually due in February. Check your local region’s official timeline.
Eligibility:
Open to high school students aged 14–18 worldwide. Students may apply as individuals or in teams (typically up to 12 members).
The Space Settlement Design Competition (SSDC) is a global engineering simulation where high school students form “aerospace companies” to design a large human settlement in space. Participants work on complex challenges across engineering, business, human factors, and operations, responding to a detailed RFP. Teams present their solution to aerospace industry professionals in a competitive setting. The experience mimics real-world STEM collaboration and fosters creativity, leadership, and innovation.
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.