Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM)
by Global Space Innovation (SpaceScholars / GFSSM)
$1,000 Best Team Prize
Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM) is a competition by Global Space Innovation (SpaceScholars / GFSSM) for students in Grade 7 to 12, open to students across India. Registration closed 15 Mar 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Grade 7 to 12
Fee
Free
Duration
Qualifying round: 4-5 months; Finals: 5 days
Format
Team · Teams of 12
Time needed
Significant team coordination required for proposal development and pitch video creation
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 5 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 15 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 13 Aug 2026 to 17 Aug 2026
Beijing Guoce International Convention and Exhibition Center, Beijing
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.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 7 to 12
- Age range
- 12 to 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
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
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.
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Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
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
Highlights
- Participants are reorganized into multinational virtual companies during finals
- 24-hour extreme design challenge simulates real industry bidding
- Co-founded by US Space Foundation, National Space Academy UK, and China Space Foundation
- Competition conducted entirely in English
Rounds & 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 apply
- 1Form a team of 6-7 or 10-12 members depending on division
- 2Register the team on spacescholars.org
- 3Develop and submit a Bid Proposal (PDF, max 30 pages, in English)
- 4Create and upload a 5-7 minute Pitch Video to YouTube
- 5Top-performing teams receive invitation to finals in Beijing
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
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM)?
The registration deadline is 15 Mar 2026. Registration for this edition has closed.
Is Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM) free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM)?
Students in Grade 7 to 12. Children aged 12 to 18.
What will my child gain from Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM)?
$1,000 cash prize for Best Team in Proposal. $500 cash prizes for Best Innovation Design and Systematic Design. Participation certificates for all teams. 5-day immersive finals experience in Beijing with multinational teams. Financial assistance for top-performing qualifying teams to attend finals. Development of aerospace engineering, commerce, and presentation skills. Exposure to international peers from 15+ countries.
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