World’s best young engineers in Krakow. Finale of the European Rover Challenge in September at the AGH University

This September, 27 student teams from 12 countries will come to Krakow to participate in the finale of the most prestigious Martian rover challenge in the world, the European Rover Challenge. The student-made rovers shall compete in 5 tasks on 900 m2 of Martian-like terrain, created to resemble Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.

Meeting of the very best

To qualify, the finalists had to progress from the group stage of 69 teams representing both Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Only the groups whose rover obtained the highest rank as regards its technical documentation will meet on the AGH University campus. Ultimately, the finale will see representatives of 12 countries, such as Spain, Denmark, the UK, Serbia, Switzerland, Greece, and six teams from Poland.

A piece of the Red Planet on Earth

During the 10th edition of this international competition, the competitors shall face five challenges verifying their skills in navigation, marking and taking soil samples, as well as testing the technological capacity of the rovers themselves. To house the challenge is an arena in the form a 900m² Marsyard prepared for the event, based on a fragment of the Red Planet called Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.

Robot competition is only the beginning

The Martian rover challenge is one of many highlights that awaits attendees of the September event. Simultaneously to the challenge, there will also be a scientific conference with top-notch speakers from world agencies and space companies, telling all about the future of space exploration, possible settlements on Mars and the Moon, showing the impact of space technologies on the day-to-day life on Earth. The main stage features:

• Shelli Brunswick - futurist, author of numerous articles and a respected speaker with extensive experience gained while on top positions in the U.S. Air Forces and the American Space Foundation;
• Joe Cassady - director of Civil Space Programs at L3Harris with more than four American patents for electric propulsion technology (EP); vice president of the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society, member of multiple advisory groups at NASA;
• Janet Ivey-Duensing - CEO and creator of Janet's Planet Inc., director of education at Explore Mars, and a member of the Cosmic Girls Foundation's advisory board. She is a well-respected persona in the field of space education, engaging in inspiring next generations of space explorers and women in science.

Space tech for companies and start-ups

The event will also be a great networking opportunity for business representatives and investors interested in space industry. Due to the partnership with the European Space Programme Agency (EUSPA), one of eight CASSINI Matchmaking meetings in Europe is to take place during the ERC. As a result, novice start-ups may receive support at the stage of preparation to meetings with investors and corporations, which will surely increase their ability to attract equity financing and establish partnerships.

For those who visit the AGH University campus during the September competition, there will also be a dedicated exhibitor zone and various activities, all available for free, prepared with a view to all, regardless of age.

This year's jubilee edition of the European Rover Challenge takes place in Krakow on 6-8 September 2024 at the AGH University of Krakow. Thanks to the livestream on our social media and on the website of the event, the team rivalry as well as the speeches delivered by subject-matter experts will be available to spectators from all over the world.

ERC programme, lineup, and livestream

The main organiser of the event is the European Space Foundation. The AGH University of Krakow is a co-organiser and the host of the event. The ERC has received the honorary patronage of the Minister of Education, the European Space Agency (ESA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Deputy Marshal of the Małopolska Region, and the Polish Space Industry Association (SPACE PL). The project is financed from national funds granted by the Minister of Education and Science within a programme aimed at raising social responsibility of science.

The group of our partners includes the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow, Mars Society Poland, the Polish Space Professionals Association (PSPA), and the Spaceship Foundation.

Read more on the event and teams participating in the challenge

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