In the not-too-distant future, more specifically the third decade of the third millennium, humankind has accomplished one of its greatest milestones – a recurring series of human expeditions to Mars.  Every 26 months a new crew launches to our neighboring planet as a previous crew makes its way home after spending 18 months exploring new ground.

Teams competing in the Mars Society’s University Rover Challenge will have the opportunity to participate in this visionary scenario by designing, constructing and operating one of the unsung heroes of an early human mission to Mars.

A crew’s typical day revolves around the extra-vehicular activity (EVA).  While a portion of the crew is out in the field exploring, at least one individual must stay back at the habitat (Hab) to serve the role of HabCom.  While the daily HabCom must physically stay inside the Hab, a rover assistant can extend his/her presence outside to perform critical field work.

At the Mars Society's University Rover Challenge 2008, in the often Mars-like desert of the Americn west, competing teams will remotely operate their rovers to remotely deploy a radio repeater and survey a second area for possible signs of life.

The winning team will win a trip to the 11th International Mars Society Convention in Boulder, Colorado in August, 2008, and bragging rights for a year - until URC 2009!