Science Plan

The details below are from URC2023 and are provided for reference only. 

URC2024 will require a formal Science Plan in addition to submitting Chemical Safety Plans. Details will be updated soon!

Updated  April 19, 2023. The requirement to submit a Science Plan for URC2023 has been replaced. Teams will instead submit for approval a detailed Chemical Safety Plan. Approval is required for any chemicals/reagents other than water intended for use in the Science Mission. All teams are required to submit a plan - if your team does not plan to use any chemicals, then your response may simply state as such.

Chemical Safety Plan

Submission Instructions

Team must submit their Chemical Safety Plan by email to urc-chem@marssociety.org. URC Staff will advise teams if there are any issues that require resolution. Teams will be notified once their plans have been approved.

Submit Early!

Chemicals are only permitted for use if the submitted plan has been approved in advance by judges. Teams should submit their plans as soon as possible to allow time to adjust plans based on feedback from judges. The latest date that plans may be submitted is May 19, 2023.

Requirements for Consideration of Chemical Use at URC

Teams are required to track chemical use "cradle to grave," meaning from the time it is purchased until the time it is properly/safely disposed. The University Rover Challenge Finals take place at a remote field site, and safety response measures are not provided. The University Rover Challenge and the Mars Society are not responsible for the chemical, or its transportation/storage/use/disposal.

All teams must submit a Final Chemical Safety Plan for approval. Approval of a chemical for one team does not imply approval of a chemical for all teams - this is because we aren't just approving chemicals, we're approving their use and safety plan!

Required Information

• Team Chemical Safety Officer
  Teams must identify one student team member who is traveling to the URC Finals and will serve as the team's Chemical Safety Officer. Team may identify 2 additional student team members to serve as Alternate Chemical Safety Officers. These individuals will serve as the team's official representative for all matters pertaining to chemical safety.

• Chemical Name

• Concentration/Molarity
  Important Note: For chemicals that are to be dissolved in a liquid (e.g. Ninhydrin), teams should strongly consider transporting that chemical in a dissolved solution or justify why it is appropriate not to do so. Any solution must also identify the solvent!

• Amount Needed
  Important Note: Teams are limited to only the amount needed on-board their rover during the Science Mission. Teams must identify a) the amount needed per sample/reaction; b) the number of samples/reactions able to be supported on-board the rover in a single mission.

• Storage Details
  Important Note: Specify the type and size of container(s) to be used for both the original chemical and any waste/reaction byproducts. Teams must also identify the secondary container(s) being used, to include identifying which chemicals will be comingled. (An inexpensive Styrofoam container is an excellent secondary container in many cases!) Additionally teams are required to label all containers appropriately (please confirm that your team will do this when submitting your Final Chemical Safety Plan).

• Use/Justification for Use of Chemical

• Disposal Plan
  Important Note: This has typically been the weakest area of understanding by teams. Teams need to specify the precise (and legally approved) method of disposal, to include identifying the disposal facility. Disposal facilities may only be the team's home university or a commercial facility. Requesting the assistance of another university is not acceptable. Waste containers should be appropriately sized (don't undersize, don't oversize!). Disposal plans should also address mixed waste (especially for teams proposing to use multiple chemicals!).

Prohibited Chemicals

Any chemical containing mercury is strictly prohibited.

Chemical Check-In at URC Finals

During team check-in on May 31, each team's Chemical Safety Officer will meet with URC Officials to verify that the chemicals transported to URC match the approved Chemical Safety Plan. On the day that your team competes in the Science Mission, the Chemical Safety Officer will conduct a check-in inspection prior to competing in the Science Mission, and a check-out inspection immediately following the mission.

Additional Guidance

• Especially for teams who plan to order chemicals for pick-up in the United States, do not over-purchase! You should only purchase the smallest amount required for use on-board your rover.

• Check with your school's hazardous waste manager for more information and training.