The NSS Gerard K. O'Neill Space Settlement Contest, organized by the National Space Society, invites students through grade 12 from around the world to design concepts for permanent human communities in free space — orbital habitats that are not located on any planet or moon. Entries may take the form of detailed designs, original research, essays, stories, models, artwork, or any combination of space settlement-related materials.
Students may compete individually or in groups of up to 12, with entries judged by grade level. Special awards recognize top entries for Artistic Merit and Literary Merit, each carrying a $500 scholarship. The grand prize goes to the best entry overall regardless of age, and the Herman Rubin Memorial Scholarship of $5,000 is awarded to the highest-ranking entrant whose students attend and present at the International Space Development Conference (ISDC). A $15 entry fee applies, with waivers available for financial hardship.
Submissions are accepted via the AwardForce platform beginning in December, with an annual deadline of February 15.