The NSS Roadmap to Space Art Contest is an annual competition organized by the National Space Society's SpacEdge Education Program in collaboration with Blue Origin's Club for the Future and the SmallSat Education Conference. The contest invites student artists ages 10 to 25 to create original illustrations depicting a realistic vision of humanity's future in outer space, using traditional or digital media (no AI-generated art). Each year features a specific theme; the 2025 theme was "My Vacation in Space." There is no entry fee to participate. Prizes include certificates, Blue Origin merchandise, a postcard of the winning artwork flown into space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, a feature in NSS's Ad Astra magazine, and a one-year NSS student membership. Winners are announced at the SmallSat Education Conference.
National Space Society
NSS Roadmap to Space Art Contest
About the Program
Eligibility
Open to full-time students. All artwork must be original and must not include any copyrighted materials. Art created using generative artificial intelligence is not permitted. Submissions must provide a realistic depiction of humanity's future in space consistent with the annual theme. Abstract, impressionistic, surrealist, fantasy, anime, or science fiction art will not be accepted. Submitted images must be in JPEG format, minimum 5500 x 4250 pixels, and must not exceed 8 megabytes. Students 18 and under must have parental permission. Full-time students between the ages of 10 and 25
Eligible Countries
other residency: Worldwide🌎 Open to full-time students worldwide.
How to Apply
Submissions are accepted exclusively via the online Roadmap to Space Art Contest Submission Form on the NSS website. Students must upload their artwork in JPEG format along with two short paragraphs describing the artwork and the method of creation. Multiple entries are allowed but must be submitted separately. An optional postcard of the artwork may be provided for flight aboard a Blue Origin rocket.