Former astronaut and NASA Johnson Space Center Director Michael Coats at ISDC

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NSS Space Settlement Nexus

We look forward to people living and working in thriving communities spread throughout the solar system, making use of the vast resources of space for the betterment of humanity. As space resources are discovered and developed more and more people will find it advantageous to live and work in space, culminating in a sustainable ecosystem of settlements in both free space and on various celestial bodies. A foundational principle of our vision is that space must be open to all nations and all peoples, with no artificial limits on who can go or how they choose to live.

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International Space Development Conference
May 23rd-26th, 2024

ISDC 2024

Featured Events

An online peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of space settlement and activities leading to space settlement. Read More>>

Space Settlement Journal

This roadmap describes the major milestones to be met, and the primary barriers to be overcome, to achieve the NSS Vision. Read More>>

Space Settlement Roadmap

The electronic newsletter of the National Space Society. Read More>>

ad Astra Downlink

Ad Astra is the award-winning magazine of the National Space Society. Read More>>

AsAstra Magazine

Dr. Pascal Lee, Discoverer of New Martian Volcano, to Speak at International Space Development Conference

Dr. Pascal Lee, a planetary scientist with the SETI Institute

Jordan Noone of Embedded Ventures to Speak at the NSS International Space Development Conference

Space Entrepreneur and Founding CTO of Relativity Space to Discuss

Astronaut Hoot Gibson Speaks to NSS Iowa Chapter

Photo: Gibson’s first shuttle mission was the first to land

Sample Categories

NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest

This annual contest is for all students at up to 12th grade from anywhere in the world. Individuals, small teams of two to five, and large teams of six to twelve are judged separately. Read More>>

International Space Settlement Design Competition

This annual contest puts high school students in the shoes of aerospace industry engineers designing a city in space that will house over 10,000 people. Read More>>

The National Space Society’s “Live in a Healthy Space” Design Competition challenges middle and high school students (ages 12-18) to design one specific component of a space settlement – an Agricultural Module (or area). Deadline is November 30. Read More>>

“Live in a Healthy Space” Design Competition

The National Space Society’s SpacEdge Education will be hosting virtual student debate tournaments to be held in late May/early June 2021. Read More>>

spUN Student Debates at ISDC

Must Watch

Play Video about Dear Earth: We’re Sorry for What We’ve Done to You

The National Space Society presents the case for space solar power, the future of clean, safe, limitless energy for everyone. Space solar power will harness the power of the sun in orbit and beam energy where it is most needed on Earth, eventually replacing fossil fuels and allowing our planet to once again become the pristine home we deserve. For more information and to donate, click here.

Click here to go to NSS video and click here to go to Isacc Arthur’s space settlement playlist.