Bangladeshi Teens from Glenrich International Rocket to Global Glory in Space Settlement Showdown

In a remarkable achievement, a team of students from Glenrich International School in Uttara, Dhaka, has secured first place in the prestigious NSS Gerard K. O’Neill Space Settlement Design Competition-2025, organized by the National Space Society of the United States. This triumph is not only a milestone for the school but a proud moment for the entire nation.

The winning team comprises nine talented students: Adwoito Bhaskar, Ahmad Abdullah, Aisha Afsara Yasmin, Seam Ahmed, Ibrahim Amin, Muhayr Manzoor, Ahnaf Tahmeed Aryan, Safwan Chowdhury and Kazi Afsan Rawnak Anan. Their success highlights the extraordinary potential of Bangladeshi students on the global stage.

The competition saw participation from over 26,000 students across 25 countries, with more than 4,900 projects submitted. Amid such fierce competition, the Glenrich team’s outstanding performance underscores the creativity and scientific acumen of Bangladeshi youth, proving their ability to compete at an international level.

The ninth-grade team, competing in the ‘Large Group (Grade 9)’ category, presented a project titled “Chirayatasroy” (Eternal Haven), a visionary design for a sustainable space settlement on the dwarf planet Ceres, capable of supporting 100,000 inhabitants. The project addresses critical global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and cosmic threats, offering a feasible alternative for humanity’s future.

A standout feature of their design is a Möbius strip-inspired solar panel system, enabling cost-effective and sustainable energy production to support a self-sufficient lifestyle in space. This innovative approach demonstrates the team’s ability to blend creativity with practical solutions.

Dr. Amlan K. Saha, Principal of Glenrich International School, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating, “This victory is a matter of great honor for us. Our students have tackled pressing global issues like climate change through their work. Such initiatives send a positive message for the future, and we will continue to encourage their innovative thinking.”

Team member Ahmad Abdullah shared insights into their journey, saying, “We worked tirelessly for nearly 55 days. Our goal was to create a plan that could protect humanity from disasters in the future.”

This achievement is a testament to the brilliance of Bangladeshi students and a source of national pride. Their success in science, technology, and creative thinking on a global platform signals a promising future for Bangladesh.