An annual contest from the National Space Society in which students design an orbital space settlement, working individually or in small or large groups. It is open to students up to 12th grade, ages 11-18, from anywhere in the world, with categories by grade from 7th grade and younger through 12th grade. Winners are recognized at the society's international conference, and the 2024 contest drew over 5,200 entries from 28 countries.
Offered by National Space Society. Competition for high school students in USA. Format: Online. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Engineering, Astronomy, STEM
Info checked October 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
Yes. NSS Gerard K. O'Neill Space Settlement Contest is free to take part in.
High school students in grades 9 to 12. It runs online. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More academic competitions for high school students