Envisioning space inhabitation with International Space Settlement Design Competition

It is well understood that one day the Earth will no longer be able to support our population which currently stands at 7.8 Billion and continues to grow. The Earth is but a dot within the universe. Ever since humans made their first venture to space, the probability of a space settlement has become a possible alternative for habitation.

Realization of this possibility would be the beginning of a life-changing era and so, it has been a matter of constant research at NASA.

But where could human civilization move the most conveniently, facing the need for the least number of adjustments?

While the moon and planet Venus both appear to be reasonable candidates in terms of distance, the Red Planet, Mars is considered our best bet for a space settlement. Unlike the Moon, Mars has an atmosphere, albeit a thin one, that offers humans protection from the cosmic and sun radiation. It is neither too hot nor too cold, it’s ground contains water that can be extracted and there is even enough sunlight to use solar panels! Not only that, an average day on Mars lasts almost as long as it does on Earth (about 24 hours and 37 minutes). These are just some of the reasons that justify Mars as the most attractive destination to call our next home.

Now that a viable destination is known, the next element to consider is the actual plan of the establishment of this settlement. Contrary to popular belief that serious matters should be left to the experts, this strategization could use some fresh perspective. Afterall, even space travel was considered a wonky idea until it was realized. School students are therefore encouraged to rack their brains and come up with ideas for space settlement designs.

Space Settlement Design Competition

As most space travel enthusiasts might be aware, the moon landing itself was a feat achieved in an extremely short period of time. Keeping that competitive spirit in mind, the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is an initiative that invites students to conceptualize a design for futuristic space settlements. This competition sets to inspire the youth to consider STEM-oriented careers and originated as part of a student outreach programme in the 1990s. ISSDC is not only a competition, but an industry simulation exercise for students. The participants are divided into teams wherein they act as companies with distinct departments and an adult supervisor who acts as the CEO. This simulates a working space similar to that of corporate professionals; teaching the students both collaborative work and the importance of individual efforts.

The process involved

The competition consists of two rounds held at regional and national levels. Students are allowed to participate individually or a group of their preferred size for both the rounds. The finals round is held at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

The participants are required to create a proposal for a space settlement visioned 50 years into the future, in a scenario where humans have already familiarized themselves with outer space. These designs for the settlement are expected to consider important factors such as the structure, infrastructure, aesthetics, relative similarities with the living conditions on the earth and the technological and mechanical aspects of the robotics and machines that will be utilized.

The design should not only be structural but must be feasible too. It should be workable, sustainable and financially accessible. The Space Settlement Design Competition is not only putting the technical skills to test but calls upon the students to display their analytical and leadership skills, as well.

The Space Settlement Design Competition aims to engage students in technical disciplines and boost interest in STEM all the while providing students with the professional experience. Who is to say, when it comes to the moment for actual relocation, one of the ideas from the Space Settlement Design Competition could end up the star of the show.