Keep a crew alive and happy on the Moon or Mars.

An informal STEM competition for teams of up to six students in grades 3–8. Research the challenges of living in space, design a colony, and build a 3D model from recycled materials — then submit a video and presentation for feedback from real STEM professionals and a chance to win.

Cumulative reach, 2022–2026

Students (all-time): 1,400+
Teams (all-time): 360+
Schools (all-time): 90+
Judges (all-time): 140+

Two students building their space colony model in a school library

Real teams · Real builds

Running since 2014 Backed by a NASA grant Judged by real STEM professionals Aligned to NGSS & TEKS

Students and their teacher planning a space-colony layout together — In it together
Real teams, real engineering
Students research, plan, and build alongside their teachers and mentors — collaborating like real engineers on open-ended problems that don't have a single right answer.

Explore

Everything about the competition

Dig into the challenge, the season, how judging works, and the resources that support your team.

The Challenge

Research, design, and solve the real problems of keeping a crew alive on the Moon or Mars.

Timeline

The full season — registration, build, judging, and awards.

Judging

Real feedback from real STEM mentors.

Rules & Resources

Eligibility, what to submit, and how the rubric works.

Cosmic Portal

Free STEM resources and community, all year long.

About

A program of the Cosmic Leap Foundation

What began in 2014 as a city-wide competition in San Antonio — powered by a grant from NASA — is now a virtual program open to classrooms and STEM clubs around the world. The Space Colony Competition is run by the Cosmic Leap Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing hands-on Grades 3–8 STEM to students everywhere.

Learn about our mission

Partners & Sponsors