How To Enter THE ZASDC
Entering the South African Space Design Competition is simple and open to all high schools across the country. Whether you’re a teacher registering a school team or a group of students forming your own, the path to Nationals success follows four clear steps - from forming a team to submitting your final presentation!
Overview
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. All subjects are welcome: engineers, designers, storytellers, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
2) Get The Details
Once registered, your supervising teacher will receive Competition Details by email. These documents outline your challenge, provide preparation materials and event timings. Share this with your team & get preparing!
3) Design & Collaborate
Divide your team into departments and practice. Your goal is to create a coherent design proposal and turn it into a presentation deck that members of your company will present to a panel of judges.
4) At The Competition!
Work with fellow competitors in your company to design and present to a panel of judges. The in-person National Finals and Online Finals will take place in March 2026. Selected competitors will go to Internationals.
📌 Teams must be school-affiliated for safeguarding and communication.
💡 Use tools you already know, e.g. Google Slides, PowerPoint, Tinkercad, hand sketches, etc.
💬 Communication and teamwork matter more than perfect engineering.
*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.
Your school must provide a supervising adult for communication and safeguarding.
You’ll receive all official materials: the RFP, helpful resources, timelines, and submission instructions.
No prior STEM background is required - the competition is designed for mixed-ability teams.
Submissions are digital, so no travel is needed until Nationals.
There are no entry or finals fees planned, thanks to sponsors and partners.
Important Information for Teachers 🧑🏫
Why Enter? 🎉
Students gain:
Real-world teamwork and leadership experience
A fast-paced industry-style challenge
Exposure to engineering, design, operations, and communication
New friendships and national visibility
The chance to represent South Africa at the International Space Settlement Design Competition in Florida
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 national finals event and more.
If you’d like to get involved, register your interest using this form or reach out via our Contact page.