ERC at AGH University: rover challenge, workshops, experiments, and much more

Martian rover challenge

The final challenge will see teams from technical universities from Denmark, Greece, Spain, India, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey, Great Britain, and Italy. As many as 5 Polish teams will participate in the competition, one each from the AGH University (AGH Space Systems), Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and Lodz University of Technology, and two from the Warsaw University of Technology.

The arena for the rover's competition will be a Mars yard, a specially prepared space that imitates a section of the Red Planet. The Martian rovers will have to handle various components attached to a dedicated panel, reach checkpoints, locate randomly placed probes, and reproduce typical scientific activities performed by rovers on the Martian surface, among many other things.

The winners of the competition will be announced at a gala ceremony on the final day.

Exhibitors’ science stands

The visitors may also participate in workshops and scientific experiments organised by the exhibitors within a special area, namely the ERC Inspiration Zone. It is an interactive spot where you can learn about tech novelties, share ideas and experiences, get inspired by talking to other enthusiasts and specialists in the field.

A shot for start-ups

Networking sessions and practical workshops on obtaining funds and business growth have been planned with start-ups creators in mind. The ERC makes for a perfect opportunity to network, gain knowledge, and get support which may come in handy when implementing space projects.

Lectures and lessons on space

During the ERC, leading space sector experts, astronauts, and scientists will discuss space and its impact on our past, present, and future. The event's agenda involves interdisciplinary speeches, lessons, and debates divided into three topics (each day a different topic) – Earth, Moon, Mars – which will concern, among others, the future of human settlement on the Moon and Mars, projects and missions on the Silver Globe developed by NASA and the ESA in the coming years, as well as important topics related to sustainability and commercialisation.

The list of speakers includes:

• Simon Jenner (Axiom Space),
• Maria Antonietta Perino (Thales Alenia Space Italy),
• Dr. Swati Mohan (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory),
• Tomas Jonsson (CASSINI – European Commission),
• Justyna Redełkiewicz (EUSPA),
• Sara Khan, Anna Fogtman, Katarzyna Cichecka (European Space Agency ESA),
• Joe Cassady – Director of Civil Space Programs L3 Harris,
• Professor Bernard Foing (LEWG /LUNEX EuroMoonMars),
• Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund (COSPAR – Committee of Space Research),
• Raphael Roettgen (E2MC Ventures).

Full agenda

More information

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The 10th edition of the ERC has received the honorary patronage of the Minister of Education, the European Space Agency (ESA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the Deputy Marshal of the Małopolska Region, and the Polish Space Industry Association (SPACE PL). The project is financed from national funds granted by the Minister of Education and Science within a programme aimed at raising social responsibility of science.