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The National Space Society is the preeminent citizen’s voice on space exploration, development, and settlement. The NSS Vision is “People living and working in thriving communities beyond the Earth, and the use of the vast resources of space for the dramatic betterment of humanity.”

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Protecting humanity from dangerous space objects

The Earth is silently but continuously threatened by near-Earth objects—asteroids—some of which we will not spot until it is too late. The National Space Society works tirelessly to urge Congress to address these potential Earth-wrecking objects, but much remains to be done.

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The Way Forward for Clean, Limitless Energy

Imagine a world in the not-distant future where millions of animal species have gone extinct, the oceans are dying, agriculture is failing, and humanity clings by a thread. None of us want that, but we are facing this potentially existential threat. We know what needs to be done, and we need your help.

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Asteroid Resources

The potential mineral wealth of these asteroids is so great that it would allow us to spare the Earth from the environmental destruction of mining while enabling space settlement.

Orbital Debris

Orbital debris is a term used to describe derelict objects in space, including fragments of spacecraft, discarded equipment, and debris from explosions. This debris can travel at high speeds, causing damage to satellites and spacecraft, and poses a risk to future space exploration and commercial activities.

NSS Space Settlement Nexus

We look forward to people living and working in thriving communities spread throughout the solar system, making use of the vast resources of space for the betterment of humanity. As space resources are discovered and developed more and more people will find it advantageous to live and work in space, culminating in a sustainable ecosystem of settlements in both free space and on various celestial bodies. A foundational principle of our vision is that space must be open to all nations and all peoples, with no artificial limits on who can go or how they choose to live.

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Get Involved

Looking to get involved in the conversation? There are numerous ways to make it happen. From joining local chapters to volunteering, there are many opportunities.

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An online peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of space settlement and activities leading to space settlement. Read More>>

Space Settlement Journal

This roadmap describes the major milestones to be met, and the primary barriers to be overcome, to achieve the NSS Vision. Read More>>

Space Settlement Roadmap

The electronic newsletter of the National Space Society. Read More>>

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Ad Astra is the award-winning magazine of the National Space Society. Read More>>

AsAstra Magazine

Kalpana one space settlement by bryan versteeg

The NSS 2024 Martine Rothblatt Space Settlement in Our Lifetime Competition Now Open

Image of Kalpana One space settlement courtesy Bryan Versteeg, spacehabs.com

ISDC 2024 no limits

Call for Abstracts for the NSS 2024 International Space Development Conference

Speaking Proposals will be Accepted at the Conference Website Through

NSS Space Forum Blog Header

Space Forum November 30: Is Space Development Best Left to AI-Enhanced Robots?

The National Space Society invites you to the next Space

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International Space Development Conference
May 23rd-26th, 2024

ISDC 2024

Featured Events

Science and Futurism with NSS President Isaac Arthur
This Week in Space with NSS ad Astra Editor-in-Chief Rod Pyle
NSS Forums and Town Halls with NSS host Burt Dicht
Empowering the Future of Space Development and Settlement

NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Contest

This annual contest is for all students at up to 12th grade from anywhere in the world. Individuals, small teams of two to five, and large teams of six to twelve are judged separately. Read More>>

International Space Settlement Design Competition

This annual contest puts high school students in the shoes of aerospace industry engineers designing a city in space that will house over 10,000 people. Read More>>

The National Space Society’s “Live in a Healthy Space” Design Competition challenges middle and high school students (ages 12-18) to design one specific component of a space settlement – an Agricultural Module (or area). Deadline is November 30. Read More>>

“Live in a Healthy Space” Design Competition

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The National Space Society’s SpacEdge Education will be hosting virtual student debate tournaments to be held in late May/early June 2021. Read More>>

spUN Student Debates at ISDC

Must Watch

Play Video about Dear Earth: We’re Sorry for What We’ve Done to You

The National Space Society presents the case for space solar power, the future of clean, safe, limitless energy for everyone. Space solar power will harness the power of the sun in orbit and beam energy where it is most needed on Earth, eventually replacing fossil fuels and allowing our planet to once again become the pristine home we deserve. For more information and to donate, click here.

Click here to go to NSS video and click here to go to Isacc Arthur’s space settlement playlist.

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Human missions to Mars program at the International Space Development Conference

2007 International Space Development Conference Photo Gallery

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Human missions to Mars presentation at the International Space Development Conference

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Ad Astra 2023 Winter (Volume 35 Number 1)

We are people from around the world dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. We are an independent nonprofit nonpartisan educational membership organization.

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About NSS

About NSS
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Space Settlement Roadmap
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Defending Earth
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We are people from around the world dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. We are an independent nonprofit nonpartisan educational membership organization.

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