Topic outline

  • 2027 News

    सबै संकुचन गर्नुहोस् सबै विस्तार गर्नुहोस्

    Debater Vlad

                 


     The NSS Global Space Debates, (GSD) formerly known as the NSS spUN Debate Program, is excited to move into a dynamic phase of our international debate program!


    Applications for the 2027 NSS High School Global Space Debates are open 1 October - 1 December 2026.





                                     

  • About Us

    How it all started

    The NSS Global space Debates (formerly the spUN Debates began in 2017 at the National Space Society's International Space Development Conference in St. Louis, MO, USA.  Dr. LJ Edmonds gave a presentation to international students, "Who Owns the Universe." She mentioned a concept for cooperation and living that will greatly impact space development. The concept is called unersalization. Several students and a teacher engaged in an animated discussion of the impacts universalisation could have on space settlement but also on how we successfully and harmoniously might move forward in Earthly policies and interactions! The NSS debates have worked hard to offer a program of inclusion, diversity, cooperation, and collaboration, which we feel is the key to  success in living. working, and utilizing space for the benefit of mankind.

    Today 


    Today, the NSS Global Space Debates (GSD) is an initiative of NSS SpacEdge Education and is  by led volunteers, many of whom are previous debaters from the program.  It is our committment to give oppotunities to students, the world over, no matter their political, economic or social status, gender, or race. We use an online, remote system to lower our barriers of entry to students who wish to become involved in an international program, to learn about space challenges, and to consider the remedies for the challenges through a healhy, fair, and thought-provoking debate.

    We pride ourselvds in preparing students for this task by providing professional mentors/coaches and judges who guide them in learning the skill of debate and the finesse of international collaboration and cooperation.  GSD is a unique and robust program and the outcomes are impresive.

    A Snapshot of the Impact of GSD


    Comments about the GSD experience:

    Testimonials from former GSD debaters regardding the debate program.

    NSS Global Debates Mission

    To raise space awareness and prepare future leaders by fostering collaboration, creativity and critical thinking among globally diverse students through a virtual debate program.


    Must watch videos

    Here are some videos that resulted from the subsequent beginnings of what we know now as the NSS Global Space Debates The first video is an overview of the 2018 debates...Please take a moment to see the impact the study of the universalization concept made on the student debaters.  


    The second video talks about the practicalities of space living and governing and, how to buy chocolate in space! 


    The next video is from a podcast in which Dr. Lorna Jean Edmonds was interviewed by Starcast about the universalization concept.  This concept is very important in our debates, both to see the concept in the debate arguments and also as a guide in the conduct of everyone in the NSS spUN Debate Organization.

       
    Picture of co-founder of spUN Debates - Dr. Lorna Jean Edmonds

    We hope these resources will give you great food for thought!


  • 2027 NSS Global Space Debate Program

    Watch this website for the 2027 NSS High School Global Debates Program iupdates.

  • Overview High School NSS Global Debate Program


    Calendar Updated:  08/02/26

    The NSS Global Space Debates (GSD) Program offers high school students a unique and thought-provoking international experience that goes beyond traditional debate. Through space-focused research, discussion, and competition, students are encouraged to think about the bigger picture of humanity’s future in space, moving beyond country-based politics to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives.

    GSD helps students develop skills that extend far beyond the debate itself. Participants learn to think critically, respond confidently on their feet, communicate clearly under pressure, and consider both sides of challenging topics. The experience builds confidence, leadership, research ability, and open-minded thinking — skills that students can carry into their future studies, careers, and personal development.



    The  100%virtual NSS Global Space Debates (GSD) (formerly known as the spUN Debates) offer international students ages 14 - 19 an opportunity to form a global team to debate space policy with an eye on universalization – finding solutions through world-wide collaboration and cooperation for the space industry and here on Earth such as laws and concerns in space development and expansion. Students learn the tools of debate and public speaking in a cooperative environment supported by professional coaches and professional judges. 

    Veteran and beginner debaters from around the globe learn international collaborative skills as they form their 4-person teams.  


    An online course starts selected participants on a path to final acceptance onto a NSS GSD High School Team. The  virtual debate season is from February-  May 29, 2027.

    The Final  Debate virtual debate is streamed into the NSS International Space Development Conference 2027 ISDC2027 - held May 27 - 30, 2027 in Los Angeles, CA.


                                                  ISDC Image for marketing - no words - Astronaut kneeling with rover in the background.

     CASH AWARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DEBATERS ON THE FINALIST TEAMS!       


               


                         







    Here's some information about GSD (formerly known as the (spUN Debates) benefits from some of our veteran debaters - In Their Own Words...

       

       


  • Schedule 2027 High School NSS Global Space Debate Program


    The Global Space Debates Program is 100% Virtual

    Updated: 26 September  2026 (Tentative  Schedule)

    1 Oct 2026 -GSD Applications Open

     Dec 1- 2027 11:59 p.m.U.T.C. GSD Applications Closes 

    Fee Waiver Request Due at time of Application Submission

    1 Dec 2026 - Coach Applications Due until ___________

    20 Dec 2026 -  Selected Debaters Announced

    20 Dec 2026 -  Online Course Opens

    20 Jan 2027 - Online Course Closes

    22 Jan 2027 - Final Team Assignments Announced

    10 Feb 2027 - Team Coaching Begins

    1 March 2027 - High School Mentor Session

    5 April 2027 - Practice Tournament 

     May 7,8,14, & 15 2027 - Preliminary Tournament Rounds (7:45 & 9:45 a.m. EDT)

    29 May 2027 - Final Tournament (Live from ISDC, Los Angeles, CA, USA – 8:30 a.m. EDT)

    10 June 2027 - Awards Ceremony - 9:00 EDT



  • Student Debater Application

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    Applications are open Oct 1 - Dec 1, 2026 


       2027 NSS HS Global Space Debates Application

                                The GSD Application Fee is $20.00/student.  A GSD Fee Waiver is available. (see below)

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    The NSS GSD Application is highly competitive.  Please make sure to read the instructions carefully and respond thoughtfully.

    Here are some tips for the Application Completion:

    1. GSD is 100 % remote for the debaters.  The final tournament will be streamed to the International Space Development Conference in Los Angeles, CA.  At ISDC, a moderator, judge, and live audience will be following your debate.
    2. Use no abbreviations with names of individuals or schools.  Examples are given in the application form.
    3. Encourage the teacher who is writing your recommendation to be mindful of giving us particular information about what gives you the ability to succeed on the prestigious GSD international team where you would prepare for the tournament.
    4. There are no right or wrong answers for the prompts.  It is interesting to the GSD Committee to learn how you handle the prompts.
        THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE APPLICATION MAY WARRANT ELIMINATION FROM CONSIDERATION.
    5. When video taping, follow the prompt guidelines in the application form.  Do not read your video taped message. 
        We are looking for your level of critical thinking and English language fluency in your response.
        When taping your video, be aware of really 'clearly stating  the problem and convincing the GSD Committee that your solution  is the right one.      Add emotion!
       Make sure your video is acceptable to the GSD Committee.  Test that it is easily acceptable prior to uploading it.
    6. The essay prompt has no correct answer.  Again we are looking for your level of critical thinking and creativity with your response.
        Be sure to answer the questions presented in the prompts.
    7.  THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE APPLICATION MAY WARRANT ELIMINATION FROM CONSIDERATION.
    5. The GSD experience is remarkable. 
        You'll meet and keep life-long friends from around the globe and become acutely aware of the interconnectivity of space and Mother Earth!

  • Debater Application Fee Info

    The FEE Application Portal is found here: 2027 NSS HS GSD Application

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    BE SURE AND READ THE INSTRUTIONS FOR THE FEE APPLICATION SO THAT YOUR PAYMENT WILL BE PROCESSED CORRECTLY!


    Instructions for the Application Fee purchase:


    1.  This link will put you right into the NSS Store to purchase your  GSD debate fee/s. for the NSS High School Global Debate Program.  If you have more than one debater  for whom you wish to purchase a fee, you can indicate the number here. There will be an opportunity in the 'comment' section later in the order info to name the debaters who the fees will cover.

    The image directs the debate candidate to the fee page to begin purchase of the GSD fee.

    2.  As soon as you 'Add an Item/s' the page will refresh to your cart. Check if you have  indicated the correct number of fees you would like to purchase.  If you need to purchase more fees, click 'Continue Shopping,' then click 'Cart', check your information and proceed to 'Checkout.


    The image shows how to proceed with continue shopping or proceed with checkout for the GSD Debater Fee/s.


    3.  Enter your credit card info. Enter your Country code prior to your phone number (if you are from the US, then (1) is the country code). Enter your billing information.


    ThecCredit card information form is shown from the NSS Store.


    4. Next is your confirmation after you have indicated the debater in the 'Comment' section. 

    This image shows how to note for whom the fee/s are purchased.

    Click  'Confirmation' 

    This page shows how to check that you are shown as the purchaser and the quantity you have purchased.

    Now Complete your order.


     5. Hooray! You should see a 'Thank You' Message.

     Email receipt is forthcoming to the email noted in the NSS Store NSS HS Global Debates Fee  billing information.

    Image of the 'Thank You' message from the NSS Store.




  • Donations to the NSS Global Space Debates



    The National Space Society Global Space Debates (GSD), guides students to debate the legal, environmental, operational, and policy challenges of Earth's orbit and beyond—all in a unique, rigorous, 100% remote program with an exceptional 1:4 mentor-to-student ratio.

    These students aren't just learning to debate. They're developing communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills that tomorrow's aerospace leaders will need.

    Consider a tax-deductible gift for GSD through the National Space Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, directly expanding opportunities for students to participate in this life-changing program.

    Your GSD donation provides scholarships, recruits expert mentors, develops educational resources, and prepares the next generation to lead humanity's future in space.

    Invest in the generation that will build our future beyond Earth!


  • Previous NSS Debate Program Topics

    2027 HS GSD Resolution:

    TBD


    Previous GSD Debate Topics:

    • 2018: Global cooperation and peace through universalization.
    • 2019: Sustainable development and responsibility for space debris.
    • 2020: The value of space exploration and the Gateway's role in deep-space exploration.
    • 2021: UN regulation of space traffic management.
    • 2022: Public vs. private investment in lunar development.
    • 2023: Funding space science to support humanity's future.
    • 2024: AI and robotics in space development.
    • 2025: International governance of space mineral utilization.

  • GSD Coaches Needed!



    The National Space Society's SpacEdge Education Team is seeking experienced debate coaches who are interested in working on the NSS Global Space Debates Program 2027.  Coaches work virtually with students from around the world to prepare for space policy debates. 

    (Commitment is from February 10 -  May 29, 2027).

    This is a great opportunity for you to add to your resume and to help students from around the world articulate ideas and consider STEAM careers! 

    See Schedule Information Above.

     
    The TASK:  coaches work virtually (at least once a week) with diverse teams to prepare/consult with them for the  remote June 2027 tournament. The 2027 Resolution is:  

                 ADD RESOLUTION HERE

    Coaches will refine strategies for research, cases, rebuttals, teamwork, presentation style and debate cadence (NO SPREADING).

     Dates: Coach commitments begin February 2027 when team and coach assignments are announced. The debate season spans February -  May 29, 2027. This is the date of the NSS International Space Development Conference (ISDC). The conference will be held in Los Angeles, CA, the debaters will be online to debate, with moderator and judge seated at ISDC, and the event will be live-streamed.
     
    What’s in it for you?:  In addition to helping debate become an international skill, coaches would receive:
      • $500.00 compensation for the 2027 spUN Debate Season 
      • A 1-year full year membership to the National Space Society
      • Certificate of international coaching participation suitable for Professional Development or for your professional file
      • An outstanding opportunity to facilitate global relationships and encouraging collaboration within the new generation

    Challenges: students compete from around the world, so finding times /platforms for communication can be challenging. (Meeting times are up to the debate coach/debaters to determine.) The high degree of debater motivation makes this program possible.

    To be considered for a GSD Coaching spot:

    2027 GSD Coach Application     

    LINK TO APPLICATION URL

    If you have questions about being a part of this amazing opportunity, contact:

    Frances Dellutri (francesdellutri@nss.org) .



  • Rulebook , GSD


    Cover to the GSD Rulebook - NSS Global Space Debates with the Earth and atmosphere and sun just coming over the edge of EarthThe 2027 NSS Global Space Debates Program is pleased to present the GSD Program Rulebook. 



    The GSD Rulebook outlines such topics as:

    Debater Code of Conduct

    Qualifications and Eligibility to be considered for the spUN Debate Program

    Requirements and Expectations for the Program

    Practice Tournament and Program Tournament Organization

    Debate Format and Adjudication Information

    Challenges and Penalties During the Tournament


    We encourage coaches, debaters, and judges to become acquainted with the Rulebook.


  • 2024 HS Debate Info

    In 2026, the NSS Student spUN Debate Program took a pause, emerging with the program rebranding  as:

    NSS Global Space Debates.


    Here are debate sessions from for the 2024 debate tournament. 

     High School students debated the resolution:


    "Space development would best be performed by autonomous AI and robotic systems."


    spUN HS Debates 2024 Video Links


    May 11, 2024 7:45 am CDT Slim vs. Danuri

      

      

    May 11, 2024 7:45 am CDT SOHO vs. New Horizons

      

      

    May 11, 2024 9:45 am CDT CAPSTONE vs. SOHO

     

     

    May 11, 2024 9:45 am CDT Juno vs. Aditya

     

     

    May 11, 2024 9:45 am CDT Psyche vs. Pioneer

     

     

    May 11, 2024 9:45 am CDT Voyager vs. SLIM

     

     

    May 12, 2024 7:45 am CDT Danuri vs. Aditya

     

     

    May 12, 2024 7:45 am CDT New Horizons vs. Voyager

     

     

    May 12, 2024 7:45 am CDT Psyche vs. CAPSTONE

     

     

    May 12, 2024 9:45 am CDT Pioneer vs. New Horizons

     

     

    May 12, 2024 9:45 am CDT SLIM vs. Juno

     

     

    May 12, 2024 9:45 am CDT SOHO vs. Psyche

     

     

    May 18, 2024 7:45 am CDT Aditya vs. SOHO

     

     

    May 18, 2024 7:45 am CDT

    May 18, 2024 9:45 am CDT CAPSTONE vs. SLIM

     

     


    May 12, 2024 9:45 am CDT