NASA SP-413 Space Settlements A Design Study

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About NSS
The National Space Society is the preeminent citizen’s voice on space exploration, development, and settlement. The NSS Vision is “People living and working in thriving communities beyond the Earth, and the use of the vast resources of space for the dramatic betterment of humanity.”

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Protecting humanity from dangerous space objects
The Earth is silently but continuously threatened by near-Earth objects—asteroids—some of which we will not spot until it is too late. The National Space Society works tirelessly to urge Congress to address these potential Earth-wrecking objects, but much remains to be done.

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The Way Forward for Clean, Limitless Energy
Imagine a world in the not-distant future where millions of animal species have gone extinct, the oceans are dying, agriculture is failing, and humanity clings by a thread. None of us want that, but we are facing this potentially existential threat. We know what needs to be done, and we need your help.

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Asteroid Resources
The potential mineral wealth of these asteroids is so great that it would allow us to spare the Earth from the environmental destruction of mining while enabling space settlement.

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Orbital Debris
Orbital debris is a term used to describe derelict objects in space, including fragments of spacecraft, discarded equipment, and debris from explosions. This debris can travel at high speeds, causing damage to satellites and spacecraft, and poses a risk to future space exploration and commercial activities.

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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
June 19th-22th, 2025 in Orlando, FL

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Science and Futurism with NSS President Isaac Arthur

This Week in Space with NSS ad Astra Editor-in-Chief Rod Pyle

NSS Forums and Town Halls with NSS host Burt Dicht

Empowering the Future of Space Development and Settlement

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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>>

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

AsAstra Magazine

Space Forum August 29: Robert Zubrin, New World on Mars

The National Space Society invites you to the next Space

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Soaring Ambitions at Aerospace Career Exploration Day

Image: Some of the attendees at the Workforce & Career

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Space Elevator Conference in Chicago September 7-8.

Can space elevators be moved from the realm of the

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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

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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>>

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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.

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Protecting humanity from dangerous space objects

The Way Forward for Clean, Limitless Energy

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Orbital Debris

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ISDC 2025

Featured Events

Space Settlement Journal

Space Settlement Roadmap

ad Astra Downlink

AsAstra Magazine

Space Forum August 29: Robert Zubrin, New World on Mars

Soaring Ambitions at Aerospace Career Exploration Day

Space Elevator Conference in Chicago September 7-8.

Latest Articles

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NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest

International Space Settlement Design Competition

“Live in a Healthy Space” Design Competition

spUN Student Debates at ISDC

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NASA SP-413 Space Settlements A Design Study

About NSS

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quick Links

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About NSS

Quick Links

Protecting humanity from dangerous space objects

The Way Forward for Clean, Limitless Energy

Asteroid Resources

Orbital Debris

NSS Space Settlement Nexus

Get Involved

Quick Links

Get upgraded now!

ISDC 2025

Featured Events

Space Settlement Journal

Space Settlement Roadmap

ad Astra Downlink

AsAstra Magazine

Space Forum August 29: Robert Zubrin, New World on Mars

Soaring Ambitions at Aerospace Career Exploration Day

Space Elevator Conference in Chicago September 7-8.

Latest Articles

Sample Categories

NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest

International Space Settlement Design Competition

“Live in a Healthy Space” Design Competition

spUN Student Debates at ISDC

Must Watch

NASA SP-413 Space Settlements A Design Study

About NSS

Publications

Get involved

Our Goals

Events & Contests

Videos

quick Links

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