From South Texas to the World Stage: SESA Student Competes at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)

This summer, one of our students from the Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy (SESA) took part in the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is widely regarded as the “space industry simulation for students,” bringing together talented young innovators from around the globe to design realistic concepts for future space settlements.

Our student joined an international team of peers, working under intense time constraints to develop and present a comprehensive plan for a large-scale space habitat. The competition challenged participants to think like aerospace engineers, project managers, and entrepreneurs — balancing technical feasibility, cost, and sustainability in their designs.

This achievement represents more than just participation in a global event. It highlights how local programs like the Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy (SESA), hosted by Expanding Frontiers, can launch students from the Rio Grande Valley onto the international stage, where they collaborate with some of the brightest young minds from around the world.

Honoring the Legacy of Anita Gale

The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) was co-founded by Anita Gale, a former Boeing engineer whose vision has inspired thousands of students worldwide to pursue careers in aerospace, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Expanding Frontiers is proud to continue building on that legacy through programs like the Space Entrepreneur Summer Academy (SESA) and the Space Settlement Design Tournament (SSDT), which prepare students in South Texas for opportunities like the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC).