“It is the year 2050, and the successful implementation of the ARTEMIS programme has proven that humans can build bases on the Moon,” is the first thing that participants will hear when the 10th European Rover Challenge (ERC) competition begins.
Every year, the European Rover Challenge brings together decision-makers and experts in the space sector and representatives of the best technical universities from around the world.
This year, the event will be held on 6-8 September and hosted by the AGH University of Krakow.
The European Space Foundation, a member of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), has organised the competition.
What is the European Rover Challenge?
The European Rover Challenge is a prestigious space and robotics event held in Poland, first launched in 2014.
It consists of a Martian robot competition in which some of the finest academic teams from around the world participate, alongside an industry conference and a science and technology demonstration zone.
For the 10th European Rover Challenge, several new formats have been added. Participants will be asked to replicate the successes of the Moon’s ARTEMIS programme on Mars.
This task is far more demanding, especially due to the distance between the Earth and Mars. It results in no possibility of sending fast rescue and recovery missions.
This is the reason why we must be sure that everything was done to ensure the highest possible level of safety for the first astronauts that will reach the Red Planet.
The competition is held on a special Martian track known as the Marsyard. It is a unique installation designed by planetary geologists from the Polish Academy of Sciences, inspired by a selected section of the Red Planet.
“On our Marsyard, we map the processes that shape the landscape of Mars.
“We create a complex geological puzzle consisting of numerous impact craters, dunes, dry river valleys and various volcanic formations, which few people can solve,” explained Dr Anna Losiak, Chief Science Officer of the European Rover Challenge.
Gathering experts to celebrate new space innovations
The 10th European Rover Challenge judging panel consists of space industry experts from organisations such as the Association of Polish Space Sector Professionals (PSPA), the Space Sector Employers Association, Mars Society Poland, and international commercial entities.
Marcin Wygachiewicz, ERC Head of Jury and Chair of the Audit Committee at the PSPA said: “Our main goal is to create interesting and challenging tasks for the teams and ensure that their execution follows standard R&D processes.
“Only with such a thorough approach will challenge participants be ready to take up professional challenges in the space industry after graduation.”
The event also features an industry conference where leading space sector experts, astronauts, and scientists discuss space and its impact on our past, present, and future.
The event’s programme includes debates on the future of human settlement on the Moon and Mars, projects and missions on the Moon being developed by NASA and ESA in the coming years, and essential topics related to sustainability and commercialisation.
The 10th European Rover Challenge will start with an examination of Earth’s application of space technologies and satellite data. On the third and final day, the event will close with a unique 10th Anniversary Gala of the European Rover Challenge, welcoming special guests from around the world.
