Design the future of life in space.
The UK Space Design Competition brings together students in Years 10–13 to solve a space settlement challenge. Taking on the role of a fictional engineering company, you will work with students from other schools and present your design to industry judges.
What is
the UKSDC?
UKSDC is an industry-style science, engineering and business challenge run by the Space Science and Engineering Foundation (SSEF). Each school team joins other teams to form a larger company. Together, students respond to a client’s brief for a crewed space settlement, balancing engineering, daily life, operations and cost.
How
it works
-
Stage 1: Regional or Digital Heat
Your school team stays together and joins students from other schools in a larger company.
-
Stage 2: National Final
Regional and digital winners qualify to attend the annual National Final in March.
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Stage 3: International Competition
Some students, selected from the National Final, will represent the UK at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC). In 2027 and 2028 the ISSDC will take place in London.
What happens on the day
Your company receives a design brief and works across departments to answer it. Student leaders coordinate the work, with volunteer CEOs and technical advisers on hand to guide you. The company submits its design and presents it to judges. Winning companies from Regional and Digital heats progress to the National Final.
- Typical day
- Regional events usually run from about 8.30am to 8pm, though some start/finish earlier. Check your heat’s details before making travel plans.
Find
your way
- Teachers Team rules, dates, costs and what the day asks of you.
- Students Find your role and learn how to take part.
- Parents Supervision, travel, consent and the competition journey.
- Alumni & Volunteers Help deliver an event or return as an alum.
- Sponsors Support access and help make the events possible.
Why support
UKSDC?
- Student engagement in 2025/26
- 14,508
Hours of student engagement in 2025/26. The competition gives students the experience of working in large teams, making technical choices and presenting to industry judges.
The
2026/27 season
Registration open
The 2026 season started in Glasgow on 26 September. Registration for each heat typically closes one week before that event, unless it is already full.
Winning teams from the regional and digital heats qualify for the National Final.
Supported across the UK
Schools, universities, volunteers and sponsors make the competition possible.
