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2027 NSS H.S. Global Space Debates
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TWO Announcements!
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!
The 2027 GSD: Call for Resolutions Challenge invites Challengers (you!) to submit your idea of a great debate resolution to be considered to use in the GSD Tournaments! More information is found below - 2027 GSD: Call for Resolutions Challenge! Information is found below on this website.
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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:

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.
We hope these resources will give you great food for thought!
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What is the 2027 GSD: Call for H.S. Space Debate Resolutions Challenge About?
The 2027 GSD Program offers a unique challenge for interested pesons to offer suggestions for resolutions that
might be used in the GSD 2027 Tournament that will be held at the NSS International Space Development Conference (ISDC 2027). This is a remote program brining high school students from around the world to collaborate with other international students on their team and represent their team in arguing pro and con sides to a chosen debate resolution. What is a debate resolution?
A debate resolution is a written topic statement paired with specific procedural rules that divide participants into arrirming or opposing sides . the resolution clearly states the positon of the affirming side. It is up to the team to make thier argument well evidenced and presented such that the judge deems their argument the 'winning' argument in the debate.
Who is eligible to enter this Challenge?
Anyone is eligible to enter this challenge. There is no age or affiliation requirement.
Is there a fee to enter the Challenge?
There is NO FEE to enter the 2027 GSD: Call for Resolution Challenge.
What is the timeframe for submitting a resolution into the Challenge?
The 2027 GSD: Call for H.S. Space Debate Resolutions Challenge entries must be submitted between Aug 6 - Aug 30, 2026, midnight, US Central Time.
What is the benefit to the Winning Challenger?
1st Place: $200, digital certificates, NSS Membership and chance to have the resolution used in the NSS GSD Tournament.
2nd Place: $100, digital certificates, NSS Membership and chance to have the resolution used in the NSS GSD Tournament.
3rd Place: $50, digital certificates, NSS Membership and a chance to have the resolution used in the NSS GSD Tournament.
4th Place: Digital certificates, NSS Membership and a chance to have the resolution used in the NSS GSD Tournament.
How does a Challenger enter the competition?
The Entry form asks for information about you and the resolution you submit. The Challenger should submit the needed informattion using the
2027 GSD: Call for H.S. Space Debate Resolutions Application Form
Any Tips on entering a resolution?
Yes! Here are some tips for you!
- Make sure you give complete information in the Resolution Entry Form - Complete name, complete address with street information, city, state, and country. No shortening or abbreviations of the information in any category.
- Take a look at the information on this webpge. There are videos of other GSD debates that you might find very helpful.
- Give careful consideration to the theme of the resolution that you wish to submit - you will have several choicees: (You can use any subject matter within these broad topics. Example: Space Debris or Earth Orbit Sustainability. Your entry does not have to include both Space Debris and Earth Orbit Sustainability. Your resolution might state that a certain law should be made about the use of Low Earth Orbit.)
Space Debris and Earth Orbit Sustainability Space Commercializationa and Mining Space Military & Defense Extra-terrestrial Settlement & Law - The Judging Rubric for the 2027 GSD: Call for Resolution Challenge is below:

We hope this Challenge will be fun as you learn about the ramificaions of the resolution you submit!
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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! -
Watch this website for the 2027 NSS High School Global Debates Program iupdates.
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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 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.
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...
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The Global Space Debates Program is 100% Virtual
Updated: 2 August 2026 (Tentative Schedule)
1 Oct 2026 - 2027 GSD Applications Open
1 Dec 2026 - Coach Applications Due
10 Dec 2026 - Debater Information Released & Online Course Opens
1 Jan 2027 - Applications Close (11:59 UTC) & Selected Debaters Announced
5 Jan 2027 - Debater Waiver Request Due (11:59 UTC)
10 Jan 2027 - Program Fees Due (11:59 UTC)
20 Jan 2027 - Online Course Closes
22 Jan 2027 - Final Team Assignments Announced
15 Feb 2027 - Team Coaching Begins
1 March 2027 - High School Mentor Session
5 April 2027 - Practice Tournament
29 & 30 May, 6 & 7 Jun 2027 - Preliminary Tournament Rounds (7:45 & 9:45 a.m. EDT)
20 June 2027 - Final Tournament (Live from ISDC, Orlando, FL, USA – 8:30 a.m. EDT)
12 July 2027 - Awards Ceremony
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2027 HS GSD Resolution:
TBD
Previous GSD Debate Resolutions
- 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 utilisation.
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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 1 - 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!
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 HERECoaches 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) .
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The 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.
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Concerns related to rules and/or format prior to and during the debates can be posed to
Frances Dellutri, Director of NSS spUN Debate Program.
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In 2025, 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