The future of space robotics shall be decided in September!

Hundreds of youthful engineers, pushing the boundaries of imagination and their limitations, entered the competition to participate in the finals of the 10th-anniversary edition of the European Rover Challenge (ERC) – the world's most demanding space robotics competition. This year, 69 elite teams, ready to take on tasks that mimic NASA space missions, took on the challenge set by the Organizers. This is not only a showdown for a prestigious title but a unique opportunity to develop and test their skills for future engineers planning a career in the space and robotics industry. The event, a celebration of science and technology, will be held September 6-8, 2024, at the AGH University of Krakow.

This year's entrants include teams from renowned universities in Australia, Japan, Germany, Costa Rica, Canada, and France, among others. – says Konrad Lippert, team coordinator of the ERC international Mars rover competition. – Every year, more and more new teams learn about the opportunity and inquire about the details of participating in the ERC competition. We are particularly thrilled by the debut teams of students from Serbia, Romania, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan – this shows that we are reaching farther and farther and that the idea of the competition is equally attractive in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas." he adds.

SUMMARY OF REGISTERED TEAMS

The 10th-anniversary edition of the ERC – an outer space celebration at the AGH University of Krakow!

The 10th edition of the European Rover Challenge is not only the most remarkable event to date, but above all, it is an opportunity to celebrate a decade of innovation and passion together at the official Anniversary Ceremony. This year, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the project, we have planned a special agenda with attendance by special guests from the International Astronautical Federation, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA. Since 2014, a group of nearly a hundred enthusiasts, experts, and scientists, supported by volunteers, have been running this unique project, which we proudly present to the world. In Krakow, the capital of Malopolska, which is part of the NEREUS space regions network, participants and guests will have the opportunity to experience the exceptional atmosphere and our unwavering passion that makes the European Rover Challenge more than just an event. It's the dream of reaching for the stars that becomes a reality. – concludes ?ukasz Wilczyński, CEO of the European Space Foundation.

The event's main organizer is the European Space Foundation – an award-winning non-profit organization supporting initiatives that prioritize the future of the new generation based on STEAM sciences and space technologies. The event is co-organized and hosted by the AGH University of Krakow. The event is held under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Education in Poland, the European Space Agency (ESA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Deputy Marshal of the Ma?opolska Region, and the Polish Space Industry Association.

The event's partners are the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow, Mars Society Polska, Polish Space Professionals Association, MathWorks, JoinThe.Space, Pokojowy Patrol, and the Business in Malopolska Center.

The project is financed with government budget funds granted by the Minister of Education and Science under the "Social Responsibility of Science II" Program (Poland).