NSS "Live in a Healthy Space" Design Competition
by National Space Society (NSS)
$2,500 Scholarship
9,028 participants
Design innovative agricultural modules for future space settlements in this global competition by the National Space Society, open to middle and high school students (ages 12-18).
Mode
Online
Fee
$15
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Approximately 4 months (August 1 to November 30 annually)
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to middle and high school students aged 12-18 (Grades 6-12) from India and worldwide. Participants can be individuals or teams of up to 12 students. No specific academic prerequisites beyond grade level are required.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 12 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to all middle and high school students.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in space science, engineering, and sustainable living.
- Ability to conduct research and develop design concepts.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$2,500
A $2,500 scholarship is awarded to the Grand Prize winner. This scholarship can be used to offset travel costs if the winner attends the International Space Development Conference (ISDC) to present their project.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation & Merit
All contestants whose entries meet minimum requirements will receive a Certificate of Participation. First, Second, Third place, and Honorable Mention winners will be awarded Certificates of Merit from the National Space Society.
Opens doors to
Winning or receiving an honorable mention can provide a significant advantage in college applications, especially for STEM programs. The skills developed and recognition gained are highly valued by admissions committees. The scholarship can directly support higher education expenses.
Career pathways
Participation significantly enhances a student's profile for admissions to top universities and future careers in aerospace engineering, astrobiology, space architecture, sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and various STEM fields, including space agencies (like ISRO, NASA), private space companies, and research institutions.
Recognition
International Recognition from NSS
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 30 Nov 2025
- Competition
- 1 Aug 2025 to 30 Nov 2025
- Results
- 8 Feb 2026
How to apply
- 1Online registration through the National Space Society website.
- 2Submission of the design project, including an Executive Summary and Main Paper, via the online portal.
- 3Payment of a $15 USD registration fee, with fee waivers available for hardship cases upon request.
Rules and guidelines
- Entries must include an Executive Summary (maximum 1 page) and a Main Paper (maximum 10 pages, double-spaced).
- All submitted artwork must be original and realistic, focusing on scientific and engineering accuracy.
- Plagiarism is strictly prohibited; participants must not copy text from external sources.
- Proper credit must be given for any external images used, adhering to copyright and licensing guidelines.
- Submissions can be individual, small teams (2-5 students), or large teams (6-12 students).
- The competition opens on August 1st and closes on November 30th.
- Designs must focus on a free-floating space settlement component, not on a planet or moon, though support activities like mining may occur on celestial bodies.
- Settlements must be permanent homes, not temporary work camps.
Technology requirements
- Access to a computer with internet connectivity for research and submission.
- Software for design and document creation (e.g., word processor, drawing tools).
- Access to a computer with reliable internet connectivity for research, registration, and submission.
- Software for design and document creation (e.g., word processor, drawing tools, CAD software for detailed designs).
- PDF reader for reviewing guidelines and sample submissions.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A $15 USD registration fee is collected per entry. Fee waivers are available for students facing financial hardship; applicants should inquire about the waiver process during registration.
Financial support
A $2500 scholarship is awarded to the Grand Prize winner. This scholarship is intended to support the winner's educational pursuits and can help cover expenses for attending the International Space Development Conference (ISDC).
Refund policy
Details regarding refund policy for the registration fee are typically outlined in the official competition guidelines on the NSS website. It is advisable to check the latest guidelines for specific information.
About this opportunity
The National Space Society's (NSS) "Live in a Healthy Space" Design Competition challenges middle and high school students to conceptualize and design an agricultural module or area vital for future space settlements. This competition highlights the crucial need for sustainable food production and healthy living environments for individuals residing and working in space, on long-duration space flights, or on other celestial bodies like Mars or the Moon.
Participants will delve into diverse STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) topics, including physics, engineering, health, biology, nutrition, mathematics, and environmental science, as they develop groundbreaking solutions for food infrastructure and healthy diets in extraterrestrial environments. The competition encourages interdisciplinary approaches, welcoming students from science, art, and culinary backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives.
Entries can be submitted individually, as part of small teams (2-5 students), or as large teams (6-12 students). The primary goal is to foster scientific temperament, ignite experimentation skills, promote STEM education, and inspire the next generation to envision humanity's future in space.
Designs should focus on creating robust infrastructures for proper nutrition and healthy diets that protect astronauts from the hazards of space living, with potential outcomes benefiting both space inhabitants and those on Earth. This competition is closely associated with the prestigious NSS Gerard K. O'Neill Space Settlement Contest, and entries can be integrated into that contest for broader recognition, though separate submission is also permitted. The competition has seen significant international participation, with thousands of students from various countries, including India, showcasing their innovative ideas.
Rounds and format
Participants submit a comprehensive design project including an Executive Summary and a Main Paper.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on scientific accuracy, engineering feasibility, innovation, and adherence to submission guidelines. The concept is more important than professional-looking artwork.
Selection process
Entries are judged based on the quality and originality of the design, scientific rigor, and practical application of concepts for space agriculture and healthy living.
How to prepare
- NSS website guidelines and resources.
- Research on space agriculture, hydroponics, aeroponics, and closed-loop life support systems.
- Information on human nutritional needs in space.
- Concepts of space settlement design and infrastructure.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition's curriculum is self-directed, focusing on designing an agricultural module for space settlements. This encompasses a broad range of topics including food production systems (hydroponics, aeroponics), nutritional requirements in space, waste management, environmental control, and the integration of biological and engineering systems to create healthy and sustainable living environments in extraterrestrial settings. It encourages interdisciplinary study across various STEAM fields.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key elements that judges look for in a winning design for the 'Live in a Healthy Space' competition?
Judges prioritize scientific accuracy, engineering feasibility, and innovation in the design of agricultural modules. The clarity of the concept and its practical application for space settlements are more crucial than professional-grade artwork.
How can participants effectively manage their time and resources to develop a comprehensive and competitive project?
Effective time management involves breaking down the project into smaller tasks, setting mini-deadlines, and allocating sufficient time for research, design, and documentation. Utilizing available online resources and collaborating efficiently within teams can optimize resource use.
What are common mistakes participants should avoid to enhance their chances of success in this design competition?
Common pitfalls include neglecting scientific accuracy, failing to adhere to submission guidelines, plagiarism, and submitting incomplete projects. Participants should also avoid overly complex designs that lack feasibility or clear explanation.
How does participation in this competition contribute to a student's long-term academic and career development in STEM fields?
Engaging in this competition significantly enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. It provides practical experience in engineering design and scientific inquiry, strengthening a student's profile for higher education and careers in aerospace, astrobiology, and sustainable technologies.
Are there specific areas of innovation or design approaches that are particularly encouraged in the 'Live in a Healthy Space' competition?
The competition encourages innovative solutions for sustainable food production, waste management, and environmental control within space settlements. Designs that integrate interdisciplinary STEAM principles and address human nutritional needs in extraterrestrial environments are highly valued.
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