Registration details are available online, along with the 2010 URC rules. Teams must build robotic assistants that will work with astronauts on future missions to the Red Planet performing a number of critical tasks. In particular, teams must tele-operate their rovers to:

• service an equipment panel,
• scout for and survey several remote markers,
• rescue a distressed astronaut in the field, and
• perform scientific reconnaissance in search of signs of life.

Teams will be competing for large cash prizes, a trip to the 13th International Mars Society Convention, and a year’s worth of bragging rights. York University dominated the 2009 URC competition, a performance capped when they were able to navigate their rover out of a treacherous dead end of boulders and across the unforgiving landscape of southern Utah to successfully find a distressed astronaut as the clock was winding down. York is riding high from this impressive win, and will be looking to defend their title against a talented field in June.

Former students and community members alike are encouraged to reach out to their alma maters and local universities to help form teams. Don't let your school go unrepresented at the 2010 University Rover Challenge!

For more information, contact Kevin Sloan, or visit the URC web site at http://www.marssociety.org/urc.