DESIGN THE FUTURE. FROM South Africa TO SPACE.
SOUTH african Space Design Competition
The ZASDC is South Africa's national Space Design Competition, part of a global network spanning six continents. Secondary school students design futuristic space settlements in a fast-paced industry simulation that builds real STEM, leadership and teamwork skills. Our inaugural National Finals took place at the University of Cape Town in March 2026, and our first Team South Africa is heading to NASA's Kennedy Space Center this July.
109+
Students Reached
sCHOOLS cOMPETED
9
sTUDENTS SELECTED FOR NASA
8
National Finals 2026: What happened at UCT
On 30-31 March 2026, 109 students from 9 schools walked into the University of Cape Town and designed a city on the Moon. They elected leaders, divided into engineering departments, and spent 24 hours responding to a professional design brief. Then they stood up and defended their designs in front of a panel of judges from industry and academia. Congratulations to Earhart Advanced Industries for winning the inaugural ZASDC National Finals.
What People Are Saying
“This has to be the most unique competition one can do as a student. We were tested on our problem solving, collaboration and mental fortitude, through one of the most relevant yet extreme formats possible: space exploration. Thank you so much to the ZASDC team for the effort, passion and organising that they put in to make such a memorable event.”
— Milo B, Grade 9 Student, Bishops Diocesan College“ZASDC was the most fun I've ever had at a high school event. The unique experience of working in a team of 30 fellow students in an organised manner towards a common goal really stood out to me.”
— Joseph A, Grade 10 Student, Westerford High School“It was both nothing and everything I expected, a contrast of nervousness and excitement. It was busy, stressful, and felt as if we were working overtime on a 9-to-5. But I did not regret a single thing, and I am grateful to have had that experience.”
— Caitlin H, Grade 9 Student, Parklands College“It was different in the best way possible. The people were lively and not full of dread. I have been to many maths, design and other competitions very similar to this. Usually the atmosphere is so heavy and full of students who are not enjoying themselves at all. Despite the company sizes, we all got to know each other and learn about each other's amazing skills and talents.”
— Alaya K, Grade 11 Student, Cannons Creek Independent School“I am struggling to think of anything that needs improving.”
— Nazier A, Teacher, Livingstone High SchoolAs Seen In
How It Works
Every team follows the same process from idea to presentation:
1) Form A Team
Recruit 4-12 students ages 14*-18 from a school and register with a teacher as your supervising adult.
2) Get The Brief
Your team’s supervising adult will be emailed competition details and preparation materials to have a read through before competing.
3) Design & Collaborate
Split your team up into departments to tackle design requirements. Work together to produce a presentation!
4) Submit & Present!
Present your design to a panel of judges. Top candidates from the winning teams will be invited to the ISSDC in Florida, USA.
*14 is the minimum age to participate in the ZASDC, the minimum age for participation in the interional finals (ISSDC) is 15 years old as per their guidelines.
Roles To Suit Everyone!
Being an industry simulation event, the ZASDC packs in roles for students of all academic interests, with the only prerequisite being a passion for space!
Whether you’re an aspiring architect or engineer in the Structures Department, a young entrepreneur in Business and Marketing, a future doctor or psychologist in Human Factors, or a scientist in Operations, there’s a place for everyone.
Even the best designs need storytellers! Artists and writers who turn ideas into persuasive, visually stunning presentations to impress the judges.
Mission Systems
Oversee how every part of your settlement connects and functions together. Mission Systems keeps the big picture in focus and ensures the entire design works as one system.
Structures
Design the physical layout and buildings of your space settlement. You’ll decide how it’s built, where everything goes, and how people live safely and comfortably in space.
Operations
Make sure your settlement runs smoothly! This team handles power, transport, production, and essential daily systems — keeping everything efficient and functional.
Business/Marketing
Turn your ideas into a company. You’ll manage your team’s budget, brand, and presentation, and make the case for why your settlement design deserves to win. Work on selling your settlement to the judges.
Human Factors
Focus on the people. This team designs how settlers eat, sleep, work, and stay healthy - managing psychology, medicine, and community wellbeing in space.
Presentation & Design
You are the storytellers of your company. You’ll transform complex technical work into a clear, compelling presentation using visuals, slides, and confident communication.
Around The world
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Around The world 〰️
A Global Event
The ZASDC is part of an international network of Space Design Competitions held across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Each national competition challenges students to tackle real-world engineering problems. This all leads up to the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC), held every July.
Winning teams from these national events, including a select team of students from the ZASDC, are invited to represent their country on the world stage at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA - the historic home of human spaceflight for over 50 years.
This extraordinary experience brings together some of the brightest young minds from around the globe to collaborate, compete, and design our future in space.
African Space Design Competition
United Kingdom Space Design Competition
Asian Regional Space Design Competition
Australian Space Design Competition
Space Settlement Design Competition
European Space Design Competition
Ready To build your team?
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Join a team of 4–12 students from your school (or form one with friends from nearby schools). You’ll take on roles in engineering, design, business, or human factors. Work together to design a futuristic space settlement.
You don’t need to be a “science genius” - creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving matter most!
Winning teams may have the chance to represent South Africa at the International Finals at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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The ZASDC provides a structured, curriculum-aligned STEAM enrichment experience for high school learners.
Teachers can register a school team, act as a team supervisor, or simply encourage students to apply.
We’ll provide everything your students need - from the official competition timeline and guidelines to preparation resources/materials.
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We are always on the lookout for help! We welcome students, mentors, judges, and industry professionals who are passionate about STEAM and education.
Volunteers can support remotely or in person by reviewing submissions, offering technical guidance, helping at the digital and in-person national finals event and more.
If you’d like to get involved, register your interest using the form below or reach out via our Contact page.
Support Us directly
If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of South African students you are able to donate to our cause via our GoFundMe.
Any amount helps, and all funds will go solely to helping provide the opportunities the ZASDC offers to students across South Africa.