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CompetitionVerifiedAcademic Excellence

Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM)

by Global Space Innovation (SpaceScholars / GFSSM)

Grade 7 to 12Free

$1,000 Best Team Prize

300 participants

An international aerospace commerce simulation competition where student teams design space settlements and defend proposals through a simulated bidding process.

Mode

Hybrid

Fee

Free

Participation format

Team

Teams of 6 to 12

Duration

Qualifying round: 4-5 months; Finals: 5 days

Time needed

Depends on the time taken to make the entry

Eligibility

Open to students in Grades 7-12 from all countries. Teams of 6-7 members (Space Explorers) or 10-12 members (Space Scholars). English proficiency required.

Grade level
Grade 7 to 12
Age range
12 to 18 years
Eligibility region
Available nationwide across India
Academic requirement
English proficiency required as the competition is conducted entirely in English.
Prerequisites
  • English proficiency (competition conducted entirely in English)
  • Ability to form a team of 6-12 members

See if your child qualifies.

Rewards and recognition

Award

$1,000 Best Team Prize

Best Team in Proposal receives $1,000. Best Team in Innovation Design and Systematic Design each receive $500.

Certificate

Participation Certificate

All participating teams receive certificates upon completion.

Recognition

International recognition

Skills your child builds

Aerospace EngineeringCommerce SimulationPublic SpeakingTeam CollaborationTechnical WritingDesign Thinking

Key dates

Last edition

Registration opened
5 Nov 2025
Registration closed
15 Mar 2026
Competition
13 Aug 2026 to 17 Aug 2026

How to apply

  1. 1Form a team of 6-7 or 10-12 members depending on division
  2. 2Register the team on spacescholars.org
  3. 3Develop and submit a Bid Proposal (PDF, max 30 pages, in English)
  4. 4Create and upload a 5-7 minute Pitch Video to YouTube
  5. 5Top-performing teams receive invitation to finals in Beijing

Rules and guidelines

  • All proposals and presentations must be in English
  • Bid Proposals must not exceed 30 pages in PDF format
  • Pitch Videos must be 5-7 minutes long and uploaded to YouTube
  • Teams must have the required number of members for their chosen division
  • All team members must be enrolled students in Grades 7-12

Technology requirements

  • Computer with internet access for online submissions
  • Video recording equipment for pitch video
  • YouTube account for pitch video upload

About this opportunity

The Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM) is an international aerospace commerce simulation competition for teenagers. Student teams design space cities and research bases at predetermined locations in the inner solar system, then defend their proposals through a simulated industry bidding process entirely in English.

The competition is open to students in Grades 7 through 12 from all countries. Teams participate in two divisions: Space Explorers (6-7 members) for newer participants and Space Scholars (10-12 members) for the standard challenge. The qualifying round is conducted online through proposal submissions and pitch videos.

Top-performing teams are invited to a 5-day final round in Beijing, China, where participants are reorganized into multinational virtual companies of over 40 members each. The finals include a 24-hour extreme design challenge, expert lectures, internal elections, and on-site defense presentations.

Co-founded by the US Space Foundation, National Space Academy UK, China Space Foundation, and ITCCC, GFSSM has been running since 2018 and is now in its 9th edition, attracting participants from over 15 countries.

Rounds and format

Qualifying Round: Online submission of Bid Proposal (PDF, max 30 pages) and Pitch Video (5-7 minutes on YouTube). Final Round: 5-day in-person challenge in Beijing where teams are reorganized into multinational virtual companies of 40+ members for a 24-hour extreme design challenge.

How entries are judged

Innovation: 30%, Technical Feasibility: 25%, Sustainability: 25%, Presentation Quality: 20%

Selection process

Teams are selected for the final round based on the quality of their online proposal submissions and pitch videos in the qualifying round. Top-performing teams demonstrating strong design concepts and presentation skills advance.

How to prepare

  • Aerospace engineering fundamentals
  • Space settlement design principles
  • Business proposal writing guidelines
  • Public speaking and presentation skills training
  • Case studies of past GFSSM challenges

Academic details

Aerospace EngineeringSpace ScienceCommerceMarketingDesignPsychology

Difficulty: Advanced

Frequently asked questions

What are the key factors that contribute to a successful team proposal in the GFSSM competition?

Successful proposals typically demonstrate strong innovation, technical feasibility, and sustainability, coupled with a clear and compelling presentation. Teams should focus on interdisciplinary integration and a realistic understanding of aerospace commerce challenges, ensuring their design addresses both technical and economic aspects effectively.

How can participants effectively manage the intense time commitment, especially during the 24-hour extreme design challenge in the finals?

Effective time management involves strategic planning, task delegation among team members, and maintaining clear communication. Prioritizing critical design elements, practicing under simulated pressure, and ensuring adequate rest can significantly enhance performance during the intense final round.

What are the common mistakes teams make during the proposal and pitch video stages, and how can they be avoided?

Common mistakes include insufficient research, lack of clarity in design concepts, and poor presentation skills. Teams should ensure their proposals are well-structured, evidence-based, and their pitch videos are engaging, concise, and clearly articulate their innovative solutions to avoid these pitfalls.

How does the multinational team formation in the finals enhance the learning experience for participants?

Collaborating in multinational virtual companies exposes participants to diverse perspectives, fosters cross-cultural communication skills, and simulates real-world international aerospace industry environments. This unique setup enriches problem-solving abilities and broadens global understanding, preparing participants for future international collaborations.

What kind of support and mentorship is available to teams during the competition, particularly for those new to aerospace design?

Participants receive guidance from industry experts and mentors throughout the competition, especially during the final round. Resources and workshops are often provided to help teams develop their aerospace engineering, design, and presentation skills, ensuring a supportive learning environment for all participants.

Beyond the cash prizes, what are the long-term benefits of participating in the Global Future Space Scholars Meet?

Participation offers invaluable experience in aerospace commerce simulation, enhances critical thinking and presentation skills, provides international networking opportunities, and builds a strong foundation for future STEM careers and academic pursuits. It also fosters a global perspective and leadership qualities, highly valued in any professional field.

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Organization

Global Space Innovation (SpaceScholars / GFSSM)

View organization

Categories

Space CompetitionsSpace ProgramsGlobal Innovation ContestsGlobal CompetitionsInnovation ChallengesScience & TechnologyGlobal ExposureInternational Certifications

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