URC2026 Q&A

Note that these are the rules for URC2026, and do not apply to any other year.

Have questions about the rules? Email urc@marssociety.org.

2025-09-24 New Q&A for URC2026
2025-09-24 Equipment Q4
2026-04-20 Equipment Q4 updated. Science Q8. Rover Q12 updated. Autonomy Q6, Q7.

Competition Questions

[1.Q] Can teams ask questions?
[1.A] Yes. Questions and answers are added to the Q&A. See the contact page if you have any questions. 

[2.Q] Are there videos of rovers completing the tasks?
[2.A] The judges do not plan on making videos of the updated tasks or the infrastructure, but many videos of past competitions are available online. These are a good source of information on previous tasks and rovers.

[3.Q] Will there be any help with visa procedures for international teams?
[3.A] There is no direct assistance with the visa process, although URC will provide a letter of support upon request. Early application is advised for as many team members as possible. Letters of support will be issued on request after a team is registered.

[4.Q] When will we know our schedule? Is there a set order of the tasks?
[4.A] You will be given your exact schedule approximately one week prior to the first day of the field competition. The order of tasks will be different for each team and is the luck of the draw.

[5.Q] Different regions pay different taxes which puts regions with higher taxes at a financial disadvantage, with respect to the $24,000 budget cap.
[5.A] These are just some of many region-specific pricing factors such as raw materials, labor costs, and exchange rates. Based on prior years’ data, the correlation between budget and score is extremely weak with a huge standard deviation. The budget rules are reviewed annually, and updated when appropriate.

[6.Q] If an item that is on sale at a discount to only students from our country, can we use that price in our budget, or do we need to use the price that would be available to all teams?
[6.A] This is another region-specific pricing factor. You may use the student price even if only available to students from your country, provided that it is available at that price to any student from your country, not just your university.

[7.Q] We're planning on building prototype rovers.  Do all or just one rover count towards the $24K limit?
[7.A] As per rule 2.d.v prototypes and spare parts do not count towards the $24K limit. The limit applies to whatever you field in competition, including the base station. 

Rover Questions

[1.Q] Can we make changes to the rover after the PDR/SAR or during the competition? 
[1.A] At URC you may make changes to your rover at any point. During the field competition you will have to watch your weight and budget limits, (such as the replacement of a faulty camera or GNSS unit with a $1000 smartphone). During a mission you may have an intervention at a 20% penalty, where the aim is to allow you to fix a broken rover if you need to, not to swap out modular components.

[2.Q] What are the penalties for exceeding the 70 kg total limit or are there only penalties for exceeding the 50 kg single configuration limit? Are there penalties for exceeding the $24K cost limit?
[2.A] The 70 kg total mass and $24K are strict limits. In an actual space program you will typically be given strict weight, size, and budget limits, and short of exceptional circumstances will be expected to stick to it. If you rover is over 70 kg you will have to discard parts, drill holes, or whatever it takes until your rover is under the limit. 

[3.Q] Is a magnetometer allowed for navigation? We designed our navigation system using a magnetometer, then realized the magnetic field on Mars is not sufficient to use on an actual Mars Rover.
[3.A] Yes, even though they are not analogous to operations on Mars, it would be difficult for us to verify that teams aren't using a digital compass or magnetometer. 

[4.Q] Can we include a microphone on the rover? Listening to rover's sounds, not just relying on sensor data, during tasks is great help for operator to determine if everything is working correctly.
[4.A] Yes, microphones are permitted on the rover. Judges monitor conversations and actions that occur near the rover. Spectators are not allowed to provide commentary or other feedback to the operators and should take care not to do so, even if there is not a microphone onboard.

[5.Q] Is it permissible to utilize a satellite internet provider, such as Starlink in order to achieve a data connection with the robot?
[5.A] No, but we will consider changing this in future if there is enough interest. While we do grant GNSS, we currently consider use of a satellite relay to be not quite in the spirit of the competition. However, the rover may deploy a local transponder in the field which we strongly encourage.

[6.Q] We have amateur radio operator licenses and would like to use 2.4GHz band with high power, but high power is only allowed in the range 2.39-2.45 GHz (channels 1-6). Would we be permitted to only use channels 1-6?
[6.A] Yes, but please don’t. If you want to use licensed high power operation you should consider using the amateur bands outside of the popular 2.4GHz WiFi and 900MHz RC bands. There are plenty to choose from if you have a license.

[7.Q] We are not sure if the specific frequencies and power levels we are considering in the 5 GHz band are allowed. Where can we find the FCC regulations for specific frequency bands? 
[7.A] Teams must also ensure they are complying with all applicable regulations of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  In particular (but not exclusively), teams should pay attention to "Part 15" regulations: Code of Federal Regulations Title 47: Telecommunication, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Part 15: Radio Frequency Devices. Subpart C: Intentional Radiators, provides details regarding specific frequency bands and their applicable regulations. This is particularly important for teams considering using the 5 GHz band, because while 5+ GHz is not specifically regulated by URC, the FCC regulations here can be confusing.  Do not assume that just because you can buy equipment, you can legally operate the equipment.  Verify the specific frequencies and power levels you will use in the FCC Part 15 regulations.  Note that some frequencies in the 5 GHz range are covered by more than one section of the regulations.

[8.Q] Can you tell us what power levels are acceptable without a ham radio license?
[8.A] See Rover Q7 above where you can find the regulations. Many websites and organizations such as ARRL also have this information in more readable formats. As part of the competition and educational experience we believe it is important for teams to find out where to find this information themselves. For anyone with a background in electronics or physics, a ham radio license is very easy to obtain in just a few weeks. The US has agreements with many countries to allow foreign amateur licensees to operate in the US, and foreign nationals may also obtain a US license. We strongly encourage teams to learn more about radio systems and obtain a license to operate them.

[9.Q] Can we use a drone in missions other than the Delivery Mission?  Can we buy an off-the-shelf drone?
[9.A] For 2026 drones can only be used in the Delivery mission. In all other missions you may use a mini-rover, but not a drone. You may buy an off-the-shelf drone, and any other equipment for that matter. We certainly encourage customizing and self-built equipment, but there is nothing in any of the rules requiring it for any components/systems. 

[10.Q] Can we use publicly available LIDAR datasets of the terrain of the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) to help inform our algorithms? 
[10.A] Yes. You may use any LIDAR data, photographs, maps, that you can find. We'll post a link to at least one LIDAR dataset on the resources page.

[11.Q] Can we use a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) with our RTK GNSS system? 
[11.A] You will not have an internet connection in the field and we do not currently allow satellite internet, so you will need to set up your own GNSS base station to do differential GNSS. 

[12.Q] Can we use a pneumatic system if it uses air supplied by a tank?  Can we use a compressor or vacuum pump? Are computer fans permitted for cooling purposes?
[12.A] Rule 3.a.iv says air breathing systems are not allowed for power or propulsion, which is due to the low atmospheric pressure on Mars. Consequently if the air/gas needed for the system is supplied by a tank, the system will be acceptable.  We do however allow fans for cooling: A cooling fan on a Mars rover would need to work a lot harder, but similar to drones on Mars is feasible. A standard fan is acceptable and does not need to be custom designed.  For any other system that does use ambient air, we will consider making an exception to the rule if you can prove to us that it would be feasible on Mars. We suggest you do this as far ahead of the competition as possible so the judges have time to properly investigate claims of viability on Mars, before allowing any such systems. 

Science Mission Questions

[1.Q] What is the difference between the science plan in the SAR (rule 2.a.iii) and the one submitted in May (rule 1.b.i)? 
[1.A] These are two different versions of your science plan you'll need to submit. For the SAR we expect about 1 page in the report and some time in the video. In May we'll expect much more detail (~5 pages) and also explain the background science. This version of the science plan will count towards your score in the Science Mission.  

[2.Q] What is meant by life detection instrumentation or assay?
[2.A]. Life detection in this case means searching for evidence of life i.e. bio-molecules. Instruments or analysis does not need to be expensive or sophisticated but does need to search for biological components (i.e. life).

[3.Q] Detailed spectral analysis is an option that increases the budget of the rover to a level that may not be feasible. Otherwise our only option is to purchase an inexpensive digital microscope and try to image bacteria with that. However, to find naturally occurring cyanobacteria with this method would be nearly impossible.
[3.A] There are more options than a spectrometer and digital microscope: Regarding the cost of various tools and sensors, this is one of many trade-offs that teams are required to make as part of their design process. A science instrument could be designed and built for around one hundred U.S. dollars up to a few thousand. The science capability of choice on-board the rover is just that: the team’s choice, and does not need to be expensive.

[4.Q] We learned that a team used a specific chemical at a previous URC. Will we be allowed to use this same chemical at URC this coming year?
[4.A] The most important thing to note is that we don't approve chemicals, we approve comprehensive chemical safety plans. That means being able to document that you have a plan for transportation/storage/use/disposal of each chemical you're planning to use. Anything in excess of the US DOT limits is definitely not allowed. Any chemicals under the US DOT limits or not covered by them requires a plan and permission from the science judges. For more details see the Science Plan page. While we do look at the concentration of chemicals, the overwhelming majority of corrections required in teams' chemical safety plans last year dealt with the other safety aspects of tracking a chemical "cradle to grave".

[5.Q] Are there clearly marked sites (with a specific number of labeled sites) for acquiring a sample or do we decide where/how many sites we analyze for signs of life? Is all soil collection from the ground or will there be samples on trays too?
[5.A] No. The overall Science Mission site will be clearly marked, but the individual sample sites will not be marked since the exact sample to be collected is decided by the team. The soil is in-situ and natural with no samples in or on a tray.

[6.Q] Are the sites all loose soil/regolith or will there be rocks/pebbles to observe for bio‑signatures? How hard is the soil?
[6.A] Teams are expected to investigate soil and sub-surface samples. The terrain is quite variable over short distances and you should expect a range from reasonably easy to very hard and difficult to excavate. There is not a caliche surface at the science site and the NRCS soil profile for the MDRS area may help.

[7.Q] What level of cross-contamination prevention is expected/accepted, such as cleaning the collection system between sites?
[7.A] Cross contamination should obviously be minimized, but the team needs to justify their level of cleanliness or lack thereof.

[8.Q] Which team members can participate in the Science Briefing?
[8.A] Any team members who have only been in the command and control station during the science mission and have not seen the site directly with their own eyes. 

Delivery Mission Questions

[1.Q] For estimation of power consumption/torque, how large a drop and how steep a slope can we expect?
[1.A] We suggest you find some videos online of previous competitions. The course will feature a range of natural terrain at increasing levels of difficulty, from flat to steep slopes with loose soil, and even vertical faces. Teams will need to make their own decisions on compromises between capability in this and other tasks, weight, durability, complexity, cost, etc.

[2.Q] Do we need 25m of cable for drone operations as well as rover operations? Can the drone operator stand outside of the metal enclosed command and control station?
[2.A] Yes you need 25m of cable for both drone and rover operations. Operators of both the drone and rover must be inside the C2 station with no view of the course, so also may not be standing right next to the door or window. You will need to run your controller/video wires to antenna(s) that you can mount outside. 25m of cable will be useful at all sites to run from computers out the back of the C2 station around to the front where an antenna may be placed.

Equipment Servicing Mission Questions

[1.Q] Are there more details on the equipment that needs servicing?  
[1.A] Specific details are intentionally not given to encourage flexibility in design, but online videos show past tasks. Our basic design criterion is that all tasks should be reasonably performed by an astronaut using a single gloved hand. Tasks will range from easy to ones that push the boundaries of what is easy-for-humans but hard-for-robots!

[2.Q] For autonomous typing, can we manually align in front of a certain key or keys and perhaps press it/them, before we begin the autonomy mode? Are we allowed to touch the non-key parts of the keyboard or surrounding area such as the screen while operating manually before switching to autonomous mode?
[2.A] Augmented Reality tags are provided to aid with autonomous alignment. While in manual control touching any part of the keyboard will be penalized. Please don't touch the screen: It is delicate and rovers are not! You may manually touch the surrounding metal areas of the lander.

[3.Q] Will the display for the launch key input be similar to the typing task in previous years?  Will the keyboard be configured so key repeat is off if held down for too long? To restart an autonomous typing attempt do we need to delete any typed letters or will it restart automatically.
[3.A] It will be the same 4.3" e-paper display and keyboard (linked in rules) as used previously. Keys will not repeat a letter if held down (i.e no auto-repeat, but will if released and pressed again). When we want to restart autonomous typing, will we need to backspace any letters we've already typed or will it automatically reset? To restart autonomous typing let the judges know and they will reset the e-paper display for you. 

[4.Q] Will the USB cable be on the ground or should we provide that?  What is the memory card and how is it attached to the USB port?
[4.A] Teams will need to equip their rover with a cable with a USB-c male connector on one end to plug in to the port on the lander. The other end should be connected to a processor/controller onboard the rover.  The memory card will most likely be a FAT32 or exFAT formatted SD card inserted into a reader plugged into the side of the USB port on the inside of the lander. Functionally plugging in to the USB port will be as if you plugged the SD card into a USB port on your computer. 

Autonomous Navigation Mission Questions

[1.Q] Is there a penalty for hitting a post/object? 
[1.A] There is no penalty for hitting anything. However, it is fairly common for a rover to get a wheel caught on the post, which is something that teams will obviously want to avoid, so the ability to stop short of a post is highly recommended.

[2.Q] Is communication from a computer in the base station to the rover permissible? For example, could the base station computer handle some of the calculations required for autonomy?
[2.A] Yes, this is allowed, but there may be no human assistance while autonomously driving.

[3.Q] Are there any specifications on the LED array to make it visible in bright daylight?
[3.A] No, teams should verify this for themselves. We suggest use of a sunshade to block direct sunlight, but you may use any array, high power LED or other light you chose to purchase or build. Just make sure it is clearly visible for anyone following the rover to know what state the rover is in.

[4.Q] Rule 1.f.ii  says there will be a starting post with a high accuracy GNSS coordinate. Can we place our base pole there for use with a RTK setup?
[4.A] No. There is only one start post (as shown in 1.f.iv) and we can't let multiple teams set up their antenna/etc. in the same spot. You may go and take GNSS readings at the start post during your setup time.

[5.Q] What are rules for the use of a second mini-rover in the Autonomous Navigation Mission? If they reach different goals, could we score points for both?
[5.A] As in rule 3.a.i a single platform must leave the start gate but you may deploy one rover from the other. The same rules will apply to the deployed rover as the main rover. Main and secondary rovers may act independently and attempt different goals simultaneously.
Rules if both attempt the same goal in cooperation:
i) Only one rover needs to reach the goal, and both may start the next goal from wherever they are.
ii) When one rover reaches the goal both may stop and be reprogrammed as desired before moving again.
iii) If an abort is called the rovers will be considered to be acting independently and may be individually returned to previous locations before restarting (i.e. you can abort one rover but not the other). While you may reprogram the aborted rover once it has returned, you may not stop and reprogram the other rover unless you pick a different goal for them to cooperate on or it too returns to a previous location.

[6.Q] If the rover has never reached a previous GNSS point, AR tag, or object location, where should it return to?
[6.A] If the team aborts the rover's first attempt at reaching an objective, it is required to return to within 5m of the start post.

[7.Q] Is a bounding box an adequate way to highlight the object on the display?
[7.A] A bounding box is a sufficient way to highlight the object on the display, however the size of the bounding box must be reasonable for the size of the object on the display so it is clearly highlighting the object not the general area.