Q&A

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

2026-09-15 New Q&A for URC2027

2026-10-03 Rover Q13, Astrobiology Q9-10, Equipment Q4, Autonomy Q5-25

Competition Questions

[1.Q] Can teams ask questions?
[1.A] Yes. Questions and answers are added to the Q&A. Email urc@marssociety.org.

[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 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.

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 $1,000 smartphone). During a mission you may take an intervention at a 20% penalty (see Section 3.e of the rules), 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 $26K cost limit?
[2.A] The 70 kg total mass and $26K 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 your 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 on the mission 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. While we do grant GNSS, we currently consider use of a satellite relay to not be in the spirit of the competition. However, the rover may deploy a local repeater in the field or use the drone as a relay, either of 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 the Astrobiology and Equipment Servicing Missions?  Can we buy an off-the-shelf drone?
[9.A] No, drones may not be used in the Astrobiology or Equipment Servicing Missions. 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 2.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. 

[13.Q] The rules state that "rovers are not expected to travel as far as 1 km from the C2 station." Is this for all missions of just for the Delivery Mission? Does this mean the rover will be within 1 km of the C2 station?
[13.A] For the Astrobiology and Equipment Servicing missions the courses will be significantly closer. For Delivery and Autonomy Missions the rover may have to travel up to 1 km from the C2 station, with total distance traversed possibly exceeding 1 km depending on routes taken.

Astrobiology Mission Questions

[1.Q] What is the difference between the science plan in the SAR (rule 3.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 Astrobiology 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 Department of Transportation (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 Astrobiology 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. 

[9.Q] What is required of a bioassay?
[9.A] A  bioassay needs to test for a molecule currently known to be formed only by biological processes or in the presence of biology (proteins, sugars, chlorophyll, etc..). A biochemical assay of a molecule that could be formed in the absence of life, but is usually associated with life (amino acids for example) alone would NOT be sufficient to determine the presence or absence of life. However, if the biochemical assay is correlated with the detection of a biomolecule, such as proteins, sugars, nucleic acids, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), chlorophyll, carotenoids, etc.. then that biochemical method would be sufficient. On its own, a chemical method does not satisfy the “bioassay” requirement. A (bio)chemical assay combined with a biomolecule detection method would satisfy the life detection capability requirement. For URC life detection capability is required, not habitability.

[10.Q] Is it permissible to collect samples at different depths deparately and compare them? Does the mechanism need to be inherently incapable of collecting materials from shallower than 10 cm?
[10.A] The sample can be collected at multiple depths, and it is acceptable to compare multiple sample depths. However, the sample to be evaluated for life needs to be from at least 10 cm depth. Note that due to microbial patchiness on Earth, a "specific" soil sample, rather than a "builk" soil sample should be evaluated as part of the Astrobiology Mission. Identifying the location, including the depth, where any life is detected is part of the mission.

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. 

[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). To restart autonomous typing let the judges know and they will reset the e-paper display for you.

[4.Q] During the 10-minute transition between the Autonomy and Equipment Servicing Missions, will the judges need to weigh and measure the configuration of the rover again? Will this time be taken from our 10 minute transition?
[4.Q] A new weigh-in and measurement will be required during the 10 minutes unless: a) the rover previously met all weight/dimension requirements and no components were added (components were either removed, or not changed); b) the team previously received a weight/dimension penalty, made no changes to the rover, and accepts the same penalties from the Autonomy Mission. In all other cases a new weigh-in and measurement will be required.

Autonomy Mission Questions

[1.Q] Is there a penalty for hitting the astronaut or the AR tag posts?
[1.A] There is no penalty for hitting anything, but the ability to avoid hitting them is highly recommended. It is fairly common for a rover to get a wheel caught on the post and we would sympathize with an astronaut that E-stops a rover that is getting too close!

[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, but there may be no human assistance while autonomously driving. In the route-finding sub-mission one of the target locations will intentionally be out of line-of-sight communications.

[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] If the rover has never reached a previous GNSS point, where should it return to?
[4.A] If the team aborts the rover's first attempt at reaching an objective, it is required to return to the start area in front of the C2 station.

[5.Q] For 1.e.iv: What is the purpose of the Camera/microphone on the astronaut suit? Can we use that to relay information to the rover? Are people in the control station able to communicate with the astronaut?
[5.A] You may use the astronaut's microphone and camera to relay information to the rover. The operators in the control station may communicate with the astronaut if you make the link 2-way.

[6.Q] For 1.e.vi.: Can we switch command modes (e.g. gesture control, with voice command as a fall-back) during the mission or do we need to declare our mode of operation beforehand?  Does the point breakdown for each of the command modes (gesture for full points, verbal for 2/3 points, etc.) only apply to the Follow! command, or all commands?
[6.A] Approaches such as this are allowed, and encouraged. The points breakdown only applies for the Follow! command. For the remainder of the tasks/commands full points are awarded for completing the task regardless of command mode.

[7.Q] For 1.e.vii.: Do the Stay!, Fetch!, Come!, and Give! actions need to use the same mechanism as Follow!? For example, if we do gesture recognition for Follow!, can we use voice recognition for the rest of the commands? For Stay!, once the astronaut is 20 meters away, will the astronaut come close to the rover before commanding it the next command or is the rover expected to see the next signal from the astronaut from 20 meters away? Is the command for Give! required to be from an astronaut or can it be from the control station?
[7.A] No you do not have to use the same communication mechanism for each task. We are assuming teams will implement a primary and a back-up communication method. For Fetch! and Come!, the astronaut will be at least 20m away from the rover, and directly within the rover's field of view.  In this sub-mission, all commands must originate from the astronaut, except the initial drive to the astronaut (1.e.v.) and any interventions covered under 1.e.xi or section 3.e.

[8.Q] For 1.e.viii.: Is the rock pick hammer close enough that the rover can see it when commanded to Fetch!? Will the hammer be on the ground?
[8.A] Yes, it will be in the immediate area, and on the ground. The rover should not have to move to see the rock hammer unless it parked on top of it, or if the rover failed to reach the 3 m scoring distance to the astronaut in the Follow! task.

[9.Q] How does the LED indicator feed into the astronaut commands (Fetch!, Stay!, Give!, Come!, Follow!)? At what points in the Fetch!, Stay!, Give!, etc. subtasks we should show the “goal” reached green LED?
[9.A] The LED lets the judge in the field know if the operators have taken control or if the rover is acting autonomously, since this affects scoring. The field judge and C2 station judge will confer if in doubt. Flashing green will not be required for the Fetch!, Stay!, Give! tasks, but it is permitted if desired. For these tasks indicating whether the rover is in autonomous or teleoperation mode will still be important. During Stay!, the rover should be waiting for a new command while not moving, so there is no time that would be appropriate to signal that it has completed the task.

[10.Q] For Follow!, approximately how far from the rover could the astronaut be when giving the beckoning gesture? Will the astronaut's full body be visible to the rover when the gesture is given?
[10.A] This is up to your team. In the first task the rover scores points for stopping within 3 m of the astronaut. The astronaut is free to move before giving the gesture. They may walk right up to a camera, or move away as far as they wish. (Safety should be taken into consideration.)

[11.Q] Are teams free to choose the specific beckoning gesture(s) that the astronaut will use? Are there any restrictions?
[11.A] Astronauts may not make finger gestures or facial gestures. Gestures are limited to arm, leg, and torso motions only due to the assumption that a traditional astronaut would be more restricted in a full EVA suit (the URC EVA suits will not be as restrictive due to safety concerns, but the gesture limitations will be enforced). Within these restrictions any gesture motion may be used.

[12.Q] What are the requirements for the astronaut's EVA suit? Can we have distinct colors/patterns for each limb? Does the EVA suit need to be included in either the mass or cost budgets?
[12.A] The EVA suit must cover up to the neck, long sleeves to the wrists, and long pant legs down to the ankle, with appropriate close toed shoes. Coveralls are recommended; however matching shirt/pants are allowed. Yes, you may have any colors/patterns on the suit that you like. The suit does not need to be included in the mass budget, but does need to be included in the cost budget.

[13.Q] Are the commands completed in the order outlined in the rules?
[13.A] Yes, the commands will be completed in the order of: Follow!, Stay!, Fetch!, Come!, Give!.

[14.Q] Are there designated locations where the astronaut needs to perform commands (for example, will Follow! end on a location defined by the judges; will the Come! command be given from a location defined by the judges)?
[14.A] During set-up time the judges will show the astronaut the approximate locations we want them to move between.

[15.Q] Can the astronaut give information to the C2 station? Since the C2 station must be able to hear the astronaut speak, are there limits on what they can say, or should they try to be as quiet as possible?
[15.A] Quiet is only required for the Follow! command if being given using a gesture. In general, communications between the astronaut and C2 station are encouraged.

[16.Q] For 1.e.xii.: Are the GNSS coordinates of the Aruco tags given to the exact location or are we expected to do terrain traversal at the GNSS coordinate?
[16.A] Coordinates will be exact. ARUCO tags are to help judges and spectators in the field as much as they are to help the rover get within the 1 m full-scoring distance.

[17.Q] How is the route up the hill designated? Are there environmental barriers or is the area designated by the judges? What is the inclination of the hill?
[17.A] It is natural terrain. It is up to you to determine the best route. There are multiple routes at different inclinations. Exact values are not provided.

[18.Q] Is there still a need to indicate the target is reached in the C2 station for the Aruco tag out of communication line of sight (or is an LED indicator on the rover sufficient)?
[18.A] The LED indicator will be sufficient since we do not expect communication for that target. For the target within line-of-sight, some indication in the C2 station that the rover believes it has reached its destination is strongly recommended for the situational awareness of the operators, but is not a requirement for 2027. Be advised that if you do not implement this, you will be solely relying on the ability of the judge in the field to see the LED indicators on the rover (which you will likely be doing anyway for the second target location). 

[19.Q] Is a rover or drone deployed communications repeater allowed for the Autonomy Mission?  Are repeaters included in either the mass or cost budget?
[19.A] Yes, repeaters are encouraged. They must be included in both the mass and cost budgets.

[20.Q] Can you provide more information about the DEM maps? Will these be GeoTiff file format? When will this data be provided?
[20.A] To be determined, but GeoTiff is likely. We are working on obtaining public release approval for the data. Approval as well as the timeline are not guaranteed.

[21.Q] Are we allowed to make changes to a map on a device that is not connected to the rover in any way while the rover is operating?
[21.A] Because the judges will not know which devices are/are not connected to the rover, operators will need to be "hands off" the controls while the rover is moving autonomously. Per rule 1.e.iii the operators may do any programming while the rover is stopped in between tasks. They may also do any programming while in teleoperation. Operators should be hands-off before commands are given by the astronaut if trying to squeeze in edits during the astronaut assistance sub-mission.

[22.Q] In Autonomy what's the role of the drone spotter? Do they follow the same protocol for the Delivery mission?
[22.A] The drone spotter is a requirement to ensure safety of the people on the ground (also a legal FAA requirement for the same reason). Their job is to either take control or advise the pilot in the C2 station if the drone is flying too low while close to people, that the drone either needs to gain altitude or move away from the people in a given direction. We expect this to be less of an issue than in the Delivery mission since the judges and spectators in the field will probably be following the astronaut and rover at this time. We will implement procedures similar to the Delivery mission where operators ask permission before take-off and landing so the judges in the field and the spotter can confirm that the area is clear of people before takeoff/landing.

[23.Q] Can any mobile deployable system (ie, a mini  rover) score direct points in the Autonomy mission?
[23.A] Yes you may use mini-rovers in the autonomy mission, as per rule 2.a.i  and the combined system is subject to the weight and budget limits.

[24.Q] Does gesture recognition have to be from a camera on the rover or can it be done by the camera on the astronaut?
[24.A] Any camera or set of cameras.  

[25.Q] Rule 1.e.xiv. says "A drone may be used for reconnaissance while the rover is assisting the astronaut, and may teleoperate the drone". Is the drone operated by the astronaut or a pilot in the C2 station?  
[25.A] The pilot in the C2 station. The astronaut in the field may not fly the drone. The drone pilot is the only person who may be touching the controls while the rover is in autonomous mode, and should take care to be obviously only controlling the drone and not the rover.