The challenge is to design and build a Mars rover prototype. This is not expected to be a space-grade machine and does not need to be ready to operate in actual space or Mars conditions.
It should be a small, mobile robot, controlled wirelessly and have an independent power source.
This challenge is addressed to students in universities, high schools or colleges to compete as a team.
Teams are encouraged to consult professors, experts or engineers (called Faculty Advisors) for advice and guidance. The engineering, design, manufacturing and operation of the rovers needs to be done by students.
The excitement in participating in this competition will enable students to learn and use their creativity building robots and opportunity to interact on many levels with others.
The competition is a continuous mentoring effort which is intended to educate the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers and others, boost innovation in research and business, and popularise STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) advancements.