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
From 5th November, 2025
From 5th November, 2025
Qualifying Round: Team Registration Opens and Release of RFP
  • Registration for the Qualifying Round opens.
  • Students are to select their division and form a team.
  • Once a team is registered, the corresponding RFP (Request for Proposal) for their chosen division will be sent to the team's designated contact email address.
To 31st March, 2026
To 31st March, 2026
Qualifying Round: Student Teams Design and Submit Proposals
  • The student teams conduct the design work for the qualifying round and submit proposals to either the national coordinator of their respective country or directly to the international organizing committee.
  • During this preparation period, the international organizing committee provides English-language guidance courses (including videos and teaching materials) to support all participating teams.
  • The organizers in each country may also provide various courses, workshops, and short-term training camps to help students successfully complete the design task.
13th-17th August, 2026
13th-17th August, 2026
China Finals & International Space Education Summit (Beijing)
  • During the on-site event, students from various countries and regions will be randomly grouped into 7 virtual companies.
  • They will need to overcome language and cultural barriers and take on a 24-hour live design challenge to collaboratively complete the assigned tasks.
  • This is definitely an experience not to be missed!
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.
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