Winners Announced: 2025 Int’l Mission to Mars Design Engineering Challenge

The Mars Society is proud to announce the results of the 2025 International Mission to Mars Design Engineering Competition for high school students. This year’s contest brought together outstanding teams of young innovators from around the world to design future human missions to the Red Planet.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the students, mentors, and judges who dedicated their time, energy, and creativity to making this year’s competition such a success,” said Nicole Willett, Mars Society Education Director.

Competition Results:

  • 1st Place Overall – Team Solace (also winners of the Science & Engineering category)
  • 2nd Place Overall – Project Ascent
  • 3rd Place Overall – Saraya Academy 2
  • Winner – Human Factors category – Team AD Mars Pioneers

Participation in this contest represents more than just an academic challenge—it is a meaningful step toward preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers, and scientists who will help make humanity a multi-planetary species. By tackling the real-world challenges of space exploration, students strengthen their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, laying a strong foundation for future success in their scientific and professional endeavors.

All participating students are invited to attend the 2025 International Mars Society Convention, which will be held October 9-11, 2025 at the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles. Students will have the exciting opportunity to present their projects in-person during the convention.

Please note that students are responsible for their own travel arrangements, expenses, and—if traveling from outside the United States—any required travel documentation.

We look forward to welcoming these bright young minds to the Mars Society Convention and celebrating their contributions to humanity’s journey to Mars.

Congratulations once again to all of our winners and participants!