NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest 2026
NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest 2026 is now open for entries!
The National Space Society (NSS) is calling for submissions to the 2026 NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest, accepting student’s work only, relate to free space settlements.
Short description
The National Space Society (NSS) is calling for submissions to the 2026 NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest.
Submissions must relate to free space settlements. Settlements may not be on a planet or moon, although support activities such as mining may be. Settlements must be permanent homes, not temporary work camps. Typically, what distinguishes an outpost from a settlement is generational habitation. Submissions may focus on one or a few aspects of space settlement and supporting systems, including mines, activities leading up to settlement (such as space hotels), economic and social issues, etc.
Designs, original research, essays, stories, models, artwork or any other orbital space settlement related materials may be submitted.
Limit your entry to a MAXIMUM of 50 pages unless absolutely necessary for key aspects of the work. Entries of more than 50 pages will be significantly penalized.
For all categories other than Artistic Merit, the primary entry is expected to be a single PDF file, although up to 10 attachments are allowed. Each may be no larger than 24 MB. Only the primary PDF submission will be required reading for the judges. Additional attachments should be considered supplemental.
The use of AI generated text and images must be explicitly identified and cited.
Who may enter?
The submission must be the student’s own work.
Prize:
The best submission, regardless of category, wins the grand prize. The submission will be hosted on the contest web site. Finally, the highest ranking entry whose student(s) attend(s) ISDC will receive the Herman Rubin Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 and give a talk at the conference.
Entry fees:
There is an entry fee of $15 which can be waived in hardship cases.
