MISSION TO MARS FOR MONASH TEAM
FUTURE innovators from Monash University have become the first Australian student group to be selected to compete in the University Rover Challenge, an international competition to design and build the next generation of Mars rovers that will one day work alongside human explorers in the field.
Monash’s Nova Rover Team will head to Utah, to be one of 36 international teams competing for cash prizes and a trip to present at the annual International Mars Society Convention.
Comprising of mostly science and engineering students, the Monash Nova Rover Team will be assessed on their ability to develop a mobile robotic device that can successfully assist with field work in a hostile environment such as the planet Mars.
The team behind “Rovey the Mars Rover” knocked out bigger competitors to become the first uni rover from Australia and the Southern Hemisphere to qualify as a finalist at the University Rover Challenge 2018.
Science team lead and biochemistry student Daniel Ricardo said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the opportunity to represent Australia at the URC, alongside equally talented and high calibre teams from across the globe.
“We conducted a field test during mid-semester break where we conducted a full systems test and trial run to iron out any kinks.”
Team leader Ben Steer said: “The rover has to have the capability to function as a field work assistant that can bring materials and information back to a base station.”