Manalapan High School Students Compete In Space Settlement Design Competition

MANALAPAN, NJ — Three Manalapan High School students recently represented their school at the International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) in Walt Disney World.

Running from July 29 through Aug. 3, rising juniors Ahaana Budhiraja and Avvin Budhiraja, alongside Rishith Kilaru (Class of 2026), earned their spots in the competition by qualifying at the East Coast Regional competition at Toms River High School East earlier this year.

According to the Freehold Regional High School District, the event kicked off at the Kennedy Space Center, setting the stage for an intense aerospace industry simulation involving 240 high school students from 16 countries.

Divided into four 60-person simulated corporations, the Manalapan team joined forces with students from India, Pakistan, China, the UK, Brazil, and across the U.S. in the "Vulture" company.

Working under the guidance of industry advisors and NASA professionals, the teams faced the challenge of designing a futuristic 2086 transport vessel for the Inner Solar System.

"In under 50 hours, students developed comprehensive proposals covering structural engineering, robotics, power systems, interior design, and multi-billion-dollar budgets while navigating cross-cultural leadership and tight deadlines," district officials said.

The event concluded with formal presentations to a panel of aerospace experts, including NASA engineers and astronaut Nicole Stott.

After defended proposals were judged, competition participants celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.

"Beyond the engineering success, ISSDC offered these young innovators an invaluable real-world lesson in global collaboration, communication, and technical leadership," district officials said.

To learn more, you can visit the Freehold Regional High School District website.