Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)
by Atlantis Erudition & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
Advance to International Space Settlement Design Competition
The Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) is a prestigious space engineering design challenge for high school students across Asia, simulating real-world aerospace industry work.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$250
Participation format
Team
Teams of 2 to 12
Duration
23 hours for Asian Finals
Eligibility
High school students in grades 8-12 (ages 14-18) are eligible. Participants must not be enrolled in a full-time college or university curriculum. This competition is open to teams from across Asia, including India.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- High school students not studying in a full-time college or university curriculum.
- Prerequisites
- Familiarity with high school science and mathematics
- Creative and innovative thinking
- Understanding of business and economics concepts
- Winners of Indian Nationals – Space Settlement Design Competition (INSSDC) for Indian students
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Participation & Achievement Certificates
Participants receive a certificate recognizing their involvement and achievements in the Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation provides a competitive edge for admissions to top universities for engineering, science, and design programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to STEM and advanced problem-solving abilities.
Career pathways
Participation significantly enhances career prospects in STEM fields, particularly aerospace and space exploration, by providing practical experience and a strong portfolio. It also opens doors to internships and mentorships within the industry.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 5 Mar 2026
- Registration closed
- 1 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 25 Oct 2026 to 25 Jan 2027
Qualifying Round Submission Deadline for all Teams
Deadline for teams to submit their 40-page design proposal. (Time: 11:59 PM IST)
Results for Qualifying Round for Teams
Announcement of results for Qualifying Round. (Time: 05:00 PM IST)
Asian Finals
Asian finals for qualified teams are held in Bangkok, Thailand
To be announced, Bangkok
How to apply
- 1Teams must register online and pay the registration fee.
- 2Receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) document.
- 3Prepare a detailed 40-page design proposal based on the RFP.
- 4Submit the completed proposal by the specified deadline.
- 5Selected teams will advance to the Asian Finals, which may require travel.
Rules and guidelines
- Proposals must be 40 pages in length.
- Submissions must adhere to the specified deadlines.
- Designs should be based on reasonable interpretations of existing technology and laws of physics.
- Teams must register with the competition organizers to receive key materials.
- For the finals, teams are grouped with other teams to work collaboratively.
- Participants must fund their own travel to the Asian Semifinals if qualified.
- Participants are responsible for funding their own travel to the Asian Semifinals if qualified.
- The competition discourages individual participation; it is designed for teams.
Technology requirements
- Access to computers and internet for research and proposal preparation.
- Design software (e.g., Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max, Blender) for creating visual elements of the settlement design.
- Presentation software for creating a 50-slide presentation for the finals.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
For Asian teams, the fee is USD 250. Further instructions regarding payment will be sent upon registration. Participants are also responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs if they qualify for the Asian Finals in Dubai or Malaysia.
About this opportunity
The Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) is an annual event that challenges high school students to design a human settlement in space. This competition simulates the experience of working as an aerospace industry engineer, where teams respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) and develop a detailed 40-page design proposal for a space city. Each year presents a new design concept with unique requirements, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
This competition is open to high school students in grades 8 through 12, typically between 14 and 18 years of age. Participants should not be enrolled in a full-time college or university curriculum. Teams are encouraged to have diverse talents, including designers, writers, and students inclined towards engineering, human engineering, and business.
Finalist teams from across Asia are selected to compete in a live competition, where they collaborate with real engineers. This experience provides invaluable management and real-time industry skills. Winners may advance to the International Space Settlement Design Competition at the Johnson Space Center, gaining global recognition and exposure to leading aerospace professionals.
The ARSSDC emphasizes teamwork, technical competence, and the ability to prepare effective documentation. It offers a unique platform for students to apply knowledge in space science, physics, math, chemistry, environmental science, biology, computer science, writing, speaking, and art in a practical, industry-simulated environment.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two rounds: a qualifying round and the finals. In the qualifying round, teams register, receive an RFP, and submit a 40-page design proposal. Selected teams advance to the Asian Finals. In the finals, teams are grouped into companies and work for 23 hours to create a 50-slide presentation to a panel of judges.
How entries are judged
Proposals are judged on structural integrity, operating efficiency, use of computers and robotics, pleasant living conditions, and adherence to the RFP requirements. Designs should be based on reasonable interpretations of existing technology, laws of physics, and common sense.
Selection process
For the finals, the best 15 proposals are shortlisted, comprising 10 semifinalists and 5 runners-up.
How to prepare
- Review previous year's proposals from NASA Ames Space Settlement Design Contest.
- Read books by scientists on future energy, food production in space, etc.
- Research space colonization basics, O'Neil cylinder, Stanford Torus, and Lewis One space colony.
- Familiarize with high school science and math concepts.
- Develop creativity and research skills.
- Learn about astronaut life in the International Space Station (ISS).
- Gain familiarity with design software like Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max, or Blender.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition involves designing a space settlement based on a Request for Proposal (RFP), covering structural design, operations, infrastructure, automation, schedule, costs, and business development. It requires integrating knowledge from various STEM disciplines to create a comprehensive and viable design.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage the intense time commitment required for this competition?
Effective time management is crucial. Students are advised to create a detailed project schedule, delegate tasks efficiently among team members, and utilize weekends and holidays for focused work sessions. Regular communication within the team and with advisors helps in staying on track and addressing challenges promptly.
What strategies can participants employ to overcome performance anxiety during the live presentation rounds?
To mitigate performance anxiety, participants should practice their presentation extensively, focusing on clarity and confidence. Understanding the material thoroughly, anticipating potential questions, and engaging in mock presentations with constructive feedback can significantly boost confidence and reduce nervousness during the actual event.
What are common mistakes teams make during the design and proposal phase, and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include not fully addressing all RFP requirements, lacking technical justification for design choices, and poor presentation of ideas. Teams should meticulously review the RFP, conduct thorough research, ensure logical consistency in their design, and prioritize clear, concise communication in their proposal document.
How do judges evaluate proposals, and what are the key factors that contribute to a high ranking?
Judges assess proposals based on structural integrity, operating efficiency, innovative use of technology, pleasant living conditions, and strict adherence to RFP specifications. A high ranking is achieved by demonstrating a comprehensive, well-justified, and clearly presented design that showcases creativity and practical engineering solutions.
What is the long-term impact of participating in ARSSDC on a student's academic and career path?
Participation in ARSSDC significantly enhances a student's profile for higher education and STEM careers. It provides invaluable hands-on experience in aerospace engineering, project management, and teamwork, demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills and a strong commitment to scientific and technological innovation.
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