Brigham Young University Mars Rover Team Competes at 2026 University Rover Competition held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, UT
The BYU Mars Rover Team competed in the 2026 University Rover Challenge (URC), held May 27–30, 2026, at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah. The team earned a place among the top 15 teams after advancing through a highly competitive international field of more than 100 teams during the preliminary selection process. They then competed against 38 of the world's top collegiate teams at the final competition.
New to the 2026 competition was a Systems Engineering Award recognizing excellence in overall systems engineering. The BYU Mars Rover Team was one of only eight teams selected to present their systems engineering approach to the judges, highlighting the team's thoughtful design process and engineering practices.
Throughout the season, the team overcame numerous technical challenges. Just 12 hours before the final competition task, they discovered that a critical brass gear for the rover's robotic arm was missing. In response, one team member spent the next four hours designing a 3D-printed replacement capable of withstanding the stresses normally handled by the brass component. The replacement performed flawlessly during the competition, allowing the team to successfully complete the task.
The team credits its ability to overcome unexpected obstacles to extensive preparation, including countless hours of testing and an all-day mock competition held in southern Utah. Their dedication, innovation, and resilience exemplify the engineering skills and teamwork fostered through the University Rover Challenge.
Congratulations to the BYU Mars Rover Team on an outstanding performance at the 2026 University Rover Challenge!
BYU Mars Rover Team at the 2026 University Rover Challenge held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah
BYU Mars Rover servicing the lunar module during the 2026 University Rover Challenge held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah
BYU Mars Rover competes in the 2026 University Rover Challenge (URC) at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah
