How It Works
Your season, start to finish
The Space Colony Competition runs each spring — from registration through the awards ceremony. Teams can build the whole time: the purple bracket marks the build phase, from the day registration opens to the submission deadline. The judging window is highlighted in violet.
Nov 15 – Mar 1 · window
Registration open
Educators register teams on the Cosmic Competition Portal.
March 1, 2027
Registration closes
Last day to reserve your teams.
from registration to April 9 · window
Design & build
Teams can start as soon as they register — research the challenges of living in space, design their colony, and build a model from recycled materials, right up to the deadline.
April 9, 2027
Submissions due
Upload your project report and video.
April 9 – May 1 · window
Judging window
Real STEM professionals review every team, score each part, and record a personal feedback video.
May 7, 2027
Results released
Scores, awards, and feedback videos are delivered to every team.
May 7, 2027
Virtual awards ceremony
A prerecorded ceremony premieres on YouTube — guest speakers, special awards, and raffle prizes.
After the ceremony
Prizes ship
Winners and prize recipients receive their prizes by mail.