International Space Settlement Design Competition - Colonies

Colonies

The colonies involved in the competition appear on a regular cycle over four years, so that competitors will not have the advantage of formerly completing the same proposal personally. The colonies alternate between orbital (qualifying competition) and planetary (finals competition). The name of colonies are pre-determined, but entrants are permitted to modify the name, so long as three ground rules are followed:

• The name must end with a suffix indicating its location. For example, Earth orbital facilities end with "-at"(At Terra), while Lunar colonies end with "-ol"(On Luna).
• The name must begin with a letter indicating its position in the sequence of construction at each location. Alexandriat before Bellevistat before Columbiat, etc.
• The name must be appropriate and relevant.

Earth Colonies (Orbiting)

• Alexandriat (Earth-Sun L5) - A colony built in 2024 to start construction of a solar shield at Earth-Sun L1 to slow global warming. It is now a manufacturing center and maintains the solar shield with 10,000 people. Often referred to by background information, this colony is not part of the competition cycle. Name based on Alexander the Great.
• Bellevistat (Earth-Sun L4) - A second colony built as a primary heavy manufacturing center in zero gravity. It is used for in-space manufacturing. Named as a reference to the Spanish phrase, Belle Vista, or beautiful view. Qualifying Competition, recurring.

• Columbiat (Earth-Sun L5) - A third colony built as a "Singapore-in-orbit". It is also the new headquarters for the Foundation Society. This colony is meant to be the largest of the orbital colonies when it is operational in 2052. Name originally referenced the Columbia river and its trade qualities; it now has connotations concerning the space shuttle Columbia. Qualifying Competition, recurring.

• Darwinat (Ark Ship) - The fourth Earth orbiting settlement, and the only one required to be capable of moving to another solar system as an Interstellar Ark. Named for Charles Darwin, an English naturalist who realised and presented compelling evidence that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors. Qualifying Competition, discontinued.

Lunar Colonies

• Alaskol- The first lunar colony built. It is used to supply the orbiting colonies with supplies with materials for manufacturing. It is also the center of lunar tourism, located on the near side of the moon. Named in reference to Alaska, a hostile territory that offered many benefits to the settlers. Finals Competition, recurring, 2004 cycle won by Edgewater High School in Orlando, Florida and Budha Dal Public School from Patiala, India, 2008 cycle won by Richard Montgomery High School, Durango High School, and Apeejay School (Indian Team).

• Balderol- The second lunar colony which will serves the same function as Alaskol. It is located on the far side of the moon and acts as a scientific and industrial outpost. Named in reference to Balder, Norse god of beauty, indicating the unobstructed views from Balderol. Finals Competition, recurring, 2005 cycle won by Whitney High School and Budha Dal Public School (Indian Team), 2009 cycle won by the Australian Finalists (St Laurence's College, QLD; Strathmore Secondary College, VIC; St Aidan's Anglican Girls, QLD; All Hallows School, QLD), Phoenix Quintessential (Cerritos, California), Eastern European Finalists (Romania) and East Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill, North Carolina).

Martian Colonies

• Aresam - The first colony built outside of the Earth-Moon system, Aresam is a Mars orbital colony. The station acts as a port of entry to Mars and a staging area for future activities beyond and around Mars. Named after Ares, Greek god of war, who was the archetype for the Roman god Mars. Qualifying Competition, recurring.

• Argonom - The first colony on the surface of Mars, this outpost acts as the primary outpost on Mars, focusing on tourism and industry. This colony also establishes scientific outposts. Named for Argo, the ship of Jason and the Argonauts. Finals Competition, recurring, 2006 cycle won by Whitney High School and Apeejay School (Indian Team). 2010 cycle won by Whitney High School, Lahore Grammar School (Pakistani Team), East Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill, North Carolina), and UK Combined Schools (City of London Academy, Pate's Grammar School, and Wallington County Grammar School)

• Bradburyom - The second colony on the surface of Mars, the colony expands on the purpose of Argonom, seeking out additional natural resources. The main intent of the colony is to act as base for the terraforming of Mars while continuing scientific studies. Named after Ray Bradbury, in recognition of the influence the Martian Chronicles had on the moder perception of Mars. Finals Competition, recurring, 2007 cycle won by Durango High School, Mircea cel Batran Student Research Center Team "B" (Romanian Team), All Hallows' & St. Aidan's Schools (Australian Team), and Liceo 4 Maldonado (Uruguayan Team).

Asteroid Belt

• Astoria - The first and, currently, only colony established in the Asteroid Belt. This station acts as a staging area for future endeavors into the outer solar system, mining and refining operations, both private and commercial, and ship construction and repair. Named for John Jacob Astor, an investor who became wealthy by taking advantage of opportunities others did not see. Qualifying Competition, replacing Darwinat in the competition cycle, recurring.

Mercurial colonies

• Aynah-The first colony established in the orbital of Mercury. This station acts as a mining and refining location of a wonder-metal, Reardonium which is extracted on the Mercurial surface. Named after Ayn Rand, the author of Atlas Shrugged. This wonder metal is lightweight, strong, self-lubricating and provides protection against heat, cold and radiation. Such a metal's production and export is a high revenue extracting source which gives Aynah its economy.
• Anconioh - The first colony on the surface of Mercury, seen in the Asian Regional Semi-finals. It is a moving settlement around the terminator line, constructed for greater production of reardonium.

Venusian colonies

• Asimov - The first colony established on Venus, floating in the atmosphere at about 56km altitude. It was developed to experiment with the properties of reardonium and other products under Venusian conditions and for mining purposes. Named after Isaac Asimov, whose Foundation novels gave the Foundation Society its name.

Competition Sequence The appearance of colonies is on a set cycle repeating every four years. The cycle is as follows: