ProtoSpace Mfg celebrates a decade of supporting Mars rover innovation

On May 22, 2025, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, ProtoSpace Mfg celebrated its 10th year as a sponsor of the University Rover Challenge (URC). The URC, organized by the Mars Society, is recognized as the leading robotics competition for university students, challenging them to design innovative rover prototypes capable of performing simulated extraterrestrial exploration tasks. This year’s event will take place from May 29 to 31 at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah, where an impressive 38 teams from 10 different countries will compete in a series of grueling missions. The annual competition aims to prepare students for future challenges in aerospace and space exploration, fostering a hands-on engineering experience that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. Over the past decade, ProtoSpace Mfg has provided teams with substantial monetary and in-kind manufacturing resources, which have helped students bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world engineering. Dr. Doug Milburn, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Protocase Companies, expressed admiration for the student participants' creativity and determination, reinforcing the company’s commitment to support innovative solutions for Mars exploration. Throughout this ongoing partnership, many former URC participants have pursued careers at top-tier aerospace companies and research institutions, proving the value of the experience gained through the competition. ProtoSpace Mfg emphasizes the importance of real-world experience in engineering and innovation, aligning with the growing demands of the aerospace sector. In addition to their financial support, ProtoSpace will send a dedicated team to the competition to provide on-site assistance to the teams. This showcases the company’s commitment to the educational aspects of the event and the hands-on mentorship they provide. As the URC continues to inspire young engineers, other notable companies, including AstroLab Venturi, MDA Space, and Nissan Advanced Technology Center, also participate as sponsors. This collaborative effort illustrates a shared investment in the future of space exploration and the development of the next generation of technical leaders. As more organizations recognize the significance of engaging with emerging talent, the impact of initiatives like the University Rover Challenge on engineering education and future missions to Mars becomes more pronounced.