In today's competitive college admissions landscape, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. Participating in academic contests and competitions can be a significant way to differentiate yourself from other applicants. These contests not only showcase your skills and knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment, discipline, and ability to excel in challenging environments.

Academic contests provide several benefits for high school students. They help hone essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These events also bring together like-minded peers, mentors, and industry professionals, offering networking opportunities. Moreover, achievements in prestigious competitions can bolster college applications, making students more attractive candidates. 

In this blog, we cover one such competition - the International Space Settlement Design Competition, and we delve into its structure, prestige, cost, and other essential details, along with our tips that will help you win!

What is the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)?

The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is a prestigious event that invites high school students from around the globe to participate in a simulated aerospace industry project.

 Organized by Aerospace Education Competitions and Space Settlement Design Competitions (SSDC) in collaboration with the National Space Society, this competition provides a unique platform for students to experience the complexities of space exploration and construction.

In this competition, you will participate in a group (alternatively known as a company). You will have to develop an aerospace industry proposal and also present it to a panel of judges. 

How is the contest structured? 

The ISSDC emulates the experience of working as a member of an aerospace industry proposal team. Students work in groups called “companies,” each comprising up to 50 or 60 students. This large group dynamic is managed through an organizational chart similar to those used in real companies, with students assigned specific roles.

Each company is provided with managers from the industry who serve as the Company CEO. Participants receive technical and management training to prepare for the competition. The Customer organization defines requirements for developing a design for a specific scenario for each event. 

The Program Book describes “existing” space infrastructure. Students must define an overall structure, determine construction methods, assess quantities of electrical power and water, design computer and robotics systems, allocate interior space, design pleasant community layouts, and estimate costs and schedules for the project. The competition concludes with the companies presenting their designs to a panel of judges.

What are the eligibility requirements?

This program is open to all high school students worldwide.

What are some important dates?

The competition finals take place in late July each year. Since the ISSDC is conducted worldwide, the dates for regional events can vary. 

To learn more about specific deadlines and to register for the competition, please visit the official registration page.

Is the program prestigious?

The ISSDC holds a moderate level of prestige and competitiveness. Since the competition is independently organized by a non-profit rather than a well-known institution like NASA, its prestige is somewhat reduced. Furthermore, there is no monetary prize or additional recognition for regional and international finalists and winners.

10 Tips to Win the International Space Settlement Design Competition

1. Practice your final presentation skills

The final presentation to the judges is crucial. Practice your presentation multiple times, focusing on clear communication, confident delivery, and thorough explanations of your design choices. Try presenting to a group of family and friends to see how effectively you can share information in a limited period of time. 

2. Stay updated on recent space developments

Keeping up with the latest advancements in space science and technology can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your project. Follow relevant news, read scientific journals, and attend related workshops or seminars. You can find details on current developments on the National Space Society website, which is a sponsor of this competition. 

Getting involved with the NSS can aid your profile in finding important events that are occurring around the Space community, offering you an opportunity to find areas of research that could be valuable in the long run. 

3. Always begin as early as possible

The initial qualifying round spans several months within schools, and your coordinator may integrate it into the curriculum. The 40-page proposal is detailed and time-intensive, so it’s advisable to start as soon as possible, allowing ample time for revisions to submit your best work. Think about carving out time in your week to spend a minimum amount of hours to meet your needs! Having an agenda or planning book handy to write out your goals can be especially useful. 

4. Leverage all resources available to you

The program's website offers tutorials to help you understand various themes related to space exploration and colonization. These include insights from NASA’s 1970s space settlement studies, information on space vehicles, and guidance on creating realistic contractor proposals with budgets and work schedules.

5. Make sure to brush up on space terminology

The SSDC provides an online glossary with terms specific to the competition that is not commonly used in everyday language (e.g., avionics, air-breathing engine, downweight, fines, payload, and rectenna). Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you communicate effectively during the competition.

6. Organization will be your biggest help in the long run

Keeping your project organized is vital for success. Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project to track tasks, deadlines, and progress. These tools allow you to create task lists, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and monitor the project's overall timeline. Additionally, consider keeping a shared document repository, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, thus ensuring that all team members have access to the necessary files and can collaborate effectively.

7. Make use of your full team

In large teams of 50-60 members, effective delegation is crucial to manage the workload and maintain efficiency. Assign roles based on each member's strengths, skills, and interests. An alternative option is to designate clear leaders for different sections of the project, which can help streamline processes and ensure thorough coverage of all aspects. This way, each leader can focus on their specific area, making it easier to manage the large group and ensure that every aspect of the project is addressed comprehensively.

8. Practice, practice, and practice more!

Regular practice is essential for success in the ISSDC. The organizers provide online practice scenarios to help you and your team get acquainted with the tasks you'll face. These scenarios are designed to simulate the actual competition conditions and help you develop the skills needed to succeed. 

9. Do your basic research to understand the scope of ISSDC

Understanding the scope of the ISSDC is essential for effective preparation. The competition follows a five-year timeline that outlines a possible roadmap for space exploration and colonization. Each year corresponds to a different phase of space exploration, and it's important to know which phase aligns with your participation year. 

For example, 2024 is Year 2, which focuses on expanding human economy and settlements within Earth’s orbit and on the Moon. This phase includes developing commercial centers and lunar mining operations. In contrast, 2025 shifts to Year 3, which involves starting settlements and infrastructure on Mars. 

By understanding the specific objectives and challenges of your competition year, you can tailor your project to meet the requirements and stand out to the judges.

10. Seek constructive feedback

Seeking regular feedback from mentors, teachers, and industry professionals is crucial for refining your project. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives that you might not have considered. Additionally, participating in practice presentations and receiving feedback can help you refine your delivery and address any weaknesses. 

In summary, winning the International Space Settlement Design Competition requires a combination of early preparation, effective team management, and a deep understanding of space science. By starting early, utilizing available resources, and practicing regularly, you can develop a strong proposal and presentation. Maintaining organization, delegating tasks effectively, and seeking feedback will further enhance your project. Staying informed about space developments and mastering the competition’s scope will give you a competitive edge. 

Following these tips will not only improve your chances of success in the ISSDC but also strengthen your college applications, showcasing your commitment and skills in a prestigious academic contest.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - ISSDC Logo