Announcement

ISSDC 2026 UK Team Announcement

We are delighted to announce the students who have been selected to represent the United Kingdom at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) in Florida this July.

Following an exceptional UK Space Design Competition (UKSDC) National Finals, these students stood out for their teamwork, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills during an intense and demanding weekend of engineering design and collaboration.

The students selected will travel to Florida in July 2026 to compete alongside teams from around the world at the ISSDC. There they will take part in the same industry-style design challenge that defines the Space Design Competition programme, working with international peers to respond to a complex engineering brief and present their solutions to panels of professionals.

Representing the UK at the ISSDC is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of each of the students selected. We would also like to thank all the students who took part in the UKSDC Finals, as well as the teachers, volunteers, and judges who made the event such a success.

Congratulations to our 2026 UK ISSDC students:

Annie Liu
Ashwin Sharma
Beatrix Wellings-Thomas
Dominic Carr
Iris Eggeling
Izdem Lawin Nayir
Jeremy Adu-Poku
Julia Spruijut
Kian Burman
Leo Wilkin
Lily Dear
Mabel Graham-Cameron
Mara Luca
Millicent Macleod
Mithra Suresh Kumar
Prince Patel
Sai Batchu
Sofia Khoo
Stanley Oppenheim
Suhani Jain

We look forward to supporting the team as they prepare for the international competition and wish them the very best as they represent the UK on the global stage.

Education

Students Reach for the Stars

Last weekend, London buzzed with innovation and determination as 260 students from across the UK gathered for the UK Space Design Competition (UKSDC) National Finals. Split into four companies, these bright minds embarked on an exhilarating journey to create a design for a Lunar Space Elevator and compete to win the contract from The Foundation Society.

The Challenge: The task at hand was no small feat – designing a Lunar Space Elevator. Charged with the responsibility to overcome the challenges of space travel, each team meticulously crafted their vision for this revolutionary structure. From grappling with the complexities of lunar gravity to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the elevator, every aspect of their designs was carefully considered.

Dedication and Grit: As the competition unfolded, it became evident that the students were not just participants; they were pioneers charting new frontiers in space exploration. Their dedication knew no bounds, with some teams working tirelessly through the night, fuelled by passion and determination. The atmosphere crackled with energy as ideas were refined, prototypes were constructed, and presentations were honed to perfection.

The Winning Team: In a competition filled with outstanding talent, the victory was hard-fought and well-deserved. Emerging triumphant was Team Sapien, whose innovative design captured the imagination of the judges. However, it’s essential to note that the competition was fiercely competitive, with all teams showcasing remarkable creativity and expertise.

Looking Ahead: As the dust settles on this exhilarating event, attention now turns to the future. The success of the UKSDC National Finals serves as a testament to the passion and potential of young minds in the field of space design and engineering. With the next round of Space Design competitions already open for registration, the journey continues for these aspiring space explorers.

Exciting Announcement: Furthermore, the anticipation mounts as the UK team set to embark on a journey to NASA this summer will be announced very soon. This incredible opportunity awaits those students who have demonstrated exceptional skill and ingenuity in the realm of space design. Stay tuned for the announcement, as we eagerly await the revelation of the next generation of space pioneers.

The UKSDC National Finals were a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and unwavering determination. As students from across the UK showcased their ingenuity in designing a Lunar Space Elevator, they demonstrated that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning. Congratulations to all participants, and here’s to a future where the stars are within reach for every aspiring space explorer.

Education

UKSDC National Finals 2024

Greetings, space enthusiasts and champions of knowledge!

We’re absolutely elated to share the extraordinary news – congratulations to the incredible 268 students who have not only excelled but also secured their golden ticket to the highly anticipated UKSDC National Finals!

Buckle up for an exhilarating two-day cosmic journey set against the iconic backdrop of London, as we gear up for the National Finals on 2-3 March 2024. This promises to be an event of astronomical proportions, filled with innovation, collaboration, and the boundless potential that these exceptional students bring to the table.

The path leading to the finals has been nothing short of inspiring, with each participant showcasing their unique brilliance.

Stay tuned for the countdown to the UKSDC National Finals—an extravaganza that celebrates passion, talent, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. To the 268 qualifiers, we look forward to seeing you in London on 2nd March!