Global Future Space Scholars Meet
“One earth, one humanity, education brings us all together."
——International Space Station Commander Aleksey Ovchinin displaying the certificate in space
——International Space Station Commander Aleksey Ovchinin displaying the certificate in space
What is GFSSM
The Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM),
is an international space commerce simulation activity for teenagers,
co-initiated by leading aerospace education institutions from the US, China, and the UK, along with ITCCC.
It provides a professional platform for middle and high school students to develop engineering, scientific, and business skills, and to foster future innovation.
GFSSM covers over 10 countries and regions, making it a key venue for global youth to innovate
in space commerce and practice interdisciplinary skills.
As an annual competition for students in grades 7–12, GFSSM encourages solving real-world problems
through multidisciplinary, project-based learning and teamwork, enhancing global competency.
Inside GFSSM: Exploring New Worlds to Improve Our Own
Recap Video of GFSSM 2025 International Space Education Summit (Beijing, China)
- 4 Countries
- 5-Day Challenge
- 7 Virtual Companies
- 35 + Teams
- 300+ Participants
- Only 1 Goal - Quest for Excellence
GFSSM 2026 Qualifying Round
We are excited to share that enrollment for the 9th GFSSM Qualifying Round is now officially underway!
High school teams worldwide who are passionate about space and innovation are encouraged to send in their design submissions by the due date of March 31, 2026.
Participating in this competition will allow teams to:
High school teams worldwide who are passionate about space and innovation are encouraged to send in their design submissions by the due date of March 31, 2026.
Participating in this competition will allow teams to:
Certificate
Teams that excel will be recognized with award certificates, while all entrants will be given a certificate of participation.
Bonus
The top 3 teams will receive monetary bonuses: $1,000 for the Best Team in Proposal, and $500 for the Best Team in Innovation Design and the Best Team in Systematic Design.
Invitation to Global Finals
Top-performing teams will earn an invitation to the International Space Education Summit, taking place in Beijing in August 13-17, 2026, and will receive financial assistance from the International Organizing Committee to support their involvement.
Sign Up Now
To sign up, create a team of 6-7 members or 10-12 members (based on your selected division) and complete the online application found in the "Learn More" area ↓↓↓
For local coordinators interested in registering multiple teams, simply complete a separate entry for each team to ensure that all participants are duly registered and can fully engage in the competition.
What the participants could experience in GFSSM
Interdisciplinary Innovation and Business Integration
Participants will immerse themselves in the core philosophy of combining technology and business, embracing a multidisciplinary approach. This unique experience fosters a holistic understanding of how different fields collaborate to drive innovation.
Designing Space Cities and Research Bases
Teams of students will leverage their scientific knowledge and technical skills to design outstanding space cities or research bases at predetermined locations within the inner solar system. This process not only stimulates creativity but also grounds ideas in scientific principles. Participants will engage in a simulated space industry bidding process, designing and defending their proposals entirely in English, honing their innovation and practical skills through this realistic exercise.
Showcasing Diverse Talents
Whether participants excel in science, engineering, computer science, business, design, art, or public speaking, they will find opportunities to shine. Each team member can contribute their unique strengths, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.
International Collaboration Challenge
At the China Finals and International Space Education Summit, participants will form 7 multinational virtual companies of over 40 members. They will undertake a 24-hour extreme challenge, which will test and develop their teamwork and leadership abilities.
- Mandy ZhaoFormer participant, studying at Columbia Univ."The GFSSM competition is an intriguing and cherished interdisciplinary contest that demands meticulous attention, rigorous calculations, exceptional teamwork, and time management. Its sense of urgency captivated me."
- Kevin YongFormer participant, studying at CMU"I learned about teamwork and time management, where individual perspectives come together to create better solutions, and proper time management enables teams to make steady progress. However, the most significant gain was making new friends from all over the world.“
- JulienSenior teacher, tutor of GFSSM team"Students are pushed to their limits in an unimaginable environment to accomplish tasks that they couldn't have envisioned. This experience challenges them and gives them a taste of the sense of achievement that comes with problem-solving."
JOIN US
