How It Works

Essential Settings
Understanding the following terms will help you quickly grasp the essence of our activities and educational philosophy

Chronicle

Based on their professional knowledge and reasonable speculations about human technological development, the Academic Committee of IDSDO, consisting of experts and scholars, has compiled a chronicle of human deep space development spanning the next 150 years. Each space development mission will select a specific design and construction task from this chronicle.
IDSDO

The International Deep Space Development Organization (IDSDO) is a virtual international organization of the future responsible for coordinating the joint development of deep space resources among nations. It is also the client of the bidding activity and is composed of experts from the aerospace industry, scientific research community, and education sector.
RFP

The design tasks for the space cities and planetary bases will be issued through a Request for Proposal (RFP), and student teams will need to form virtual companies to explore all user requirements outlined in the RFP and create designs accordingly.
Proposal

The proposal in the context of GFSSM refers to the bidding plan submitted by the teams participating in the Qualifying Round or by the virtual companies formed by students at the on-site event in China. This document represents the students' systematic approach to addressing the design task at hand.
Management team

To ensure the efficient completion of the design tasks, each qualifying round team or virtual company of the Final Roud should establish an organizational structure that aligns with contemporary management theories. Teams in the Qualifying Round should have a team leader, while virtual companies will have students voluntarily running for management positions, with the final management team elected through a voting process. This approach not only hones students' leadership skills but also strengthens their abilities in teamwork and decision-making.
Extreme design challenge

In the Qualifying Round, this involves a design process that spans several months. The highlight of the on-site event is the 24-hour Extreme Design Challenge. During this period, each virtual company will collaborate intensively to complete the design tasks that are announced on-site. Subsequently, they are required to present their solutions and defend them before a panel of judges. This high-pressure, time-limited challenge tests the students' creativity, teamwork, and performance under stress, providing them with a unique and demanding real-world simulation experience.

Space Design 101

The following three steps will help you complete your first GFSSM space design proposal.

Step 1: Discover User Needs

Fully exploring user requirements from the RFP is always the most critical step. All designs must start with the requirements. Remember, your task is to design a space infrastructure that meets the needs of users, not something that your team likes.
Step2: Complete the Design

Collaborating as a team to complete the design task involves various departments working together and engaging in complex communication, including potential arguments and compromises. Project management experience can significantly assist the team in this process.
Step3: Present and Bid

Usually, this step occurs during the on-site competition. Good design requires a good presentation to effectively showcase to the judges, with the key being effective and accurate information delivery. Careful consideration is needed in organizing your briefing within a 30-minute time frame. Scheduling time for rehearsals will always help improve the quality of your presentation.

GFSSM Calendar of Events 2026

All teams participating in GFSSM activities must coordinate their participation through the national coordinator or official organizing partner in their country or region.
For the list of participating national coordinators and their contact details, please refer to the national coordinator list here.

November, 2025– June, 2026

Team Formation & Preparation

Student teams form and prepare for participation in GFSSM activities, including the International Qualifying Round (optional) or national / regional selection processes organized by local partners.
Teams planning to participate directly in the GFSSM Final Round may also use this period to organize their teams and begin preliminary preparations.

To 31st March, 2026

International Qualifying Round (Optional)

Student teams submit their proposals through the national coordinator or official organizing partner in their country or region.
Participation in the International Qualifying Round is optional for international teams. Its primary purpose is to help students and teachers become familiar with the Space City Design framework and proposal structure, facilitating a smoother transition into the GFSSM Final Round activities in August.
For countries or regions with late registration, submission deadlines can be coordinated with the GFSSM International Organizing Committee to allow more preparation time.

Flexible Timeline (November 2025 – June 2026)

National / Regional Round

National or regional organizers may independently hold selection processes or training camps to help teams prepare for the Global Final Round.
These activities can include workshops, mock presentations, or local competitions. The outstanding teams selected from these processes will participate in the GFSSM Final Round in Beijing.

13th-17th August, 2026

China Finals & International Space Education Summit (Beijing)

Selected student teams from around the world will gather in Beijing for the GFSSM International Summit.
Over the five-day program, teams will engage in:

Virtual Company multinational team collaboration
24-hour Extreme Design Challenge
Final presentations and international jury evaluation
Discussions with aerospace scientists and technology experts
Teams will collaborate to present their Space City Designs, and the jury will evaluate both the creativity and practicality of the proposals.

During the on-site event, students will have the invaluable opportunity to engage in direct, face-to-face interactions with industry experts.

Tentative Schedule of China Finals 2026

What can you gain

The GFSSM provides a unique platform for students to develop and enhance the 4C's through practical application.

Collaboration

In the GFSSM students must work together and leverage their diverse strengths to achieve a common goal.
Communication

Communication is crucial for effective collaboration and involves the exchange of ideas and feedback.
Creativity

Creativity allows students to approach problems in new and innovative ways.
Critical Thinking

Students must analyze and evaluate information to make sound decisions within a tight timeframe.