The design of the Mars landing module named “Eagle” developed by the students of the Scientific Circle “Off-Road” of Wrocław University of Science and Technology has won the second place in an international competition organised by The Mars Society and NASA. Our young constructors received USD 5,000 prize money

The competition’s main challenge was to develop a concept of a landing module that would make it possible to deliver 10 tons of cargo to Mars. The design could only use technologies available or feasible by 2026. The whole project was supposed to be carried out in a manner ensuring maximum simplicity, maximum security, and most importantly, the lowest possible cost. 

15 teams comprising students from all over the world accepted the challenge with 5 of these qualifying to the final stage. Apart from the students representing Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the final saw teams from France and the USA, as well as two mixed ones - German-Swedish and Italian-Indian.  

The winners were announced during The Mars Society’s international convention, held in Pasadena (USA). Each team had 40 minutes to deliver a presentation of its ideas. Our students were ranked second, with only one point away from claiming the top place.   

The Scientific Circle for Unconventional Vehicles “Off-Road” is a unit operating under the auspices of the Institute of Power Machinery and Industrial Vehicles at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Its members work on projects such as Mars rovers named “Scorpio”, which have received numerous awards in prestigious competitions.