Latest news with #MarsRovers
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Event challenges students to come up with ideas that innovate
When Alejandro Muniz asked his audience if they like money and they enthusiastically responded 'Yes,' he had a sobering reminder ready. 'So does the government.' Maintaining space vehicles is an expensive endeavor in the best of times, especially the Mars Rovers, which eventually run out of power during their missions, Muniz explained during the ECIER Foundation's Innvovation Showcase on May 29. If the rovers could self-maintain, however — perhaps by having self-cleaning solar panels, for example — the wear-and-tear could be lessened, and NASA could save itself — and therefore taxpayers — millions. With his remote-control Perseverance Rover replica in tow, Muniz wowed the judges and took first place — with an award of $750 — in the showcase held at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. Thirteen students ranging from 8th grade to 12th grade brought a wide range of solutions to compete, ranging from Muniz's space solution to a wearable health device that would alert people to changes in their blood indicating blood cancers. Meleah Holloway, a senior at Israel School of Excellence in Gary, created a functioning website explaining her idea, which is geared toward hospitals and medical professionals, and would cost them $249. 'I've always had a passion for medical sciences, and I've lost people to cancer, so I zoned into (how it's treated),' Holloway said. 'I started out wanting to be a neurologist, but I went to Maryland and worked with other students on the Chemo Bot.' Timerah Moore, an 8th grader at Israel School of Excellence, tapped into the fashion market with Knitting Gritty, crocheted handbags with a tight weave that make it impossible for your items to fall out. She offers the bag in two sizes and is able to whip one out in 30 minutes, she said. 'My little cousin taught me how; she came to stay over one time and brought her stuff, and I thought, 'That was crazy cool,' so I let my mind go with the flow and put my mind to work,' she told the audience. 'I love to see the smile on people's faces (when they purchase a bag) — especially since you don't want to spend $85.' Marianna Owens and Autumn Staples partnered up and pitched a full-length 'virtual assistant' mirror that would scan a person's health and choose their outfits for the day, among other amenities. The two had blast working together. 'Communication is important, as is showing up for your partner,' Owens, a senior at West Side Leadership Academy, said. She and Staples placed second, while Braylen Chafen, a junior at East Chicago Central placed third. Judges graded the students on their preparedness, presentation and product. Earlier in the evening, the following ECIER students earned several thousand dollars worth of scholarships: Chafen, $4,000; Kennedi Edgington, $4,000; Cheyenne Whitt, $4,000; Holloway, $3,000; Jaydon Phillips, $3,000; Staples, $3,500.00; and Owens, $3,500.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ProtoSpace Mfg Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting Mars Innovation as a Sponsor of the 2025 University Rover Challenge
SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA - May 22, 2025 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - ProtoSpace Mfg, a global leader in rapid, precision manufacturing for aerospace and defense, proudly marks its 10th consecutive year as a sponsor of the University Rover Challenge (URC) - the world's premier robotics competition for university students designing the next generation of Mars Rovers. The 2025 event takes place May 29-31 at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Hanksville, Utah, where 38 teams from 10 countries will face off in a grueling series of space exploration-inspired missions. As in previous years, ProtoSpace is offering substantial monetary and in-kind manufacturing support to every participating team. Each team will receive a $2,000 USD credit toward the fabrication of custom components, plus a 50% discount on additional custom-manufactured parts. This support accelerates rover development while giving students access to real-world manufacturing experience - a core part of ProtoSpace's commitment to hands-on innovation. "Ten years of supporting the University Rover Challenge is more than a milestone- it's a testament to what we believe in as a company," said Dr. Doug Milburn, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Protocase Companies. "Each year, we're amazed by the creativity, grit, and talent these students bring. We're honored to help turn their ideas into functioning rovers that might one day influence real missions to Mars." "ProtoSpace Mfg has been a tremendous partner of the University Rover Challenge for the last decade," said Kevin Sloan, Director, University Rover Challenge. "Their creativity, passion, and skill come through in everything they do, from directly supporting the teams, to collaborating with judges on innovative test hardware for the competition. We're always excited to see what they will build next!" Organized by the Mars Society, the URC pushes student teams to design, build, and test Mars rover prototypes capable of tackling real-world tasks under extreme terrain conditions. Over the three-day competition, rovers will perform in four mission challenges: Science Cache, Equipment Servicing, Extreme Terrain Traversal, and Autonomous Navigation - each simulating a key aspect of extraterrestrial exploration. To further strengthen its engagement, ProtoSpace Mfg will send a team onsite to provide support and celebrate the students' hard work: Chris McGean Marketing Scott McIntyre Marketing Jarret MacNeil Engineering and Design Services Michael MacLean - Engineering and Design Services Lynette Sampson Admin and Logistics Crystal Pearson Admin and Logistics Since 2015, ProtoSpace Mfg's partnership with URC has helped thousands of students bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world engineering. Many past URC participants have gone on to careers at top aerospace companies and research institutions, carrying with them the lessons - and hardware - they developed with ProtoSpace's help. Other notable sponsors of URC 2025 include AstroLab Venturi, MDA Space, Kiss Institute for Practical Robotics, and Nissan Advanced Technology Center. About ProtoSpace Mfg Headquartered in Sydney, Nova Scotia, with newly expanded facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina, ProtoSpace Mfg delivers highly customized, rapid-turnaround manufacturing solutions for clients in aerospace, defense, robotics, and other advanced technology fields. Leveraging world-class engineering and a commitment to precision, ProtoSpace helps customers move from concept to component in record time. Its decade-long support of the University Rover Challenge reflects the company's deep investment in fostering the next generation of technical leaders. Contact:Jon Phillipsprotocase@
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
ProtoSpace Mfg Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting Mars Innovation as a Sponsor of the 2025 University Rover Challenge
SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA - May 22, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - ProtoSpace Mfg, a global leader in rapid, precision manufacturing for aerospace and defense, proudly marks its 10th consecutive year as a sponsor of the University Rover Challenge (URC) - the world's premier robotics competition for university students designing the next generation of Mars Rovers. The 2025 event takes place May 29-31 at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Hanksville, Utah, where 38 teams from 10 countries will face off in a grueling series of space exploration-inspired missions. As in previous years, ProtoSpace is offering substantial monetary and in-kind manufacturing support to every participating team. Each team will receive a $2,000 USD credit toward the fabrication of custom components, plus a 50% discount on additional custom-manufactured parts. This support accelerates rover development while giving students access to real-world manufacturing experience - a core part of ProtoSpace's commitment to hands-on innovation. 'Ten years of supporting the University Rover Challenge is more than a milestone- it's a testament to what we believe in as a company,' said Dr. Doug Milburn, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Protocase Companies. 'Each year, we're amazed by the creativity, grit, and talent these students bring. We're honored to help turn their ideas into functioning rovers that might one day influence real missions to Mars.' 'ProtoSpace Mfg has been a tremendous partner of the University Rover Challenge for the last decade,' said Kevin Sloan, Director, University Rover Challenge. 'Their creativity, passion, and skill come through in everything they do, from directly supporting the teams, to collaborating with judges on innovative test hardware for the competition. We're always excited to see what they will build next!' Organized by the Mars Society, the URC pushes student teams to design, build, and test Mars rover prototypes capable of tackling real-world tasks under extreme terrain conditions. Over the three-day competition, rovers will perform in four mission challenges: Science Cache, Equipment Servicing, Extreme Terrain Traversal, and Autonomous Navigation - each simulating a key aspect of extraterrestrial exploration. To further strengthen its engagement, ProtoSpace Mfg will send a team onsite to provide support and celebrate the students' hard work: Since 2015, ProtoSpace Mfg's partnership with URC has helped thousands of students bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world engineering. Many past URC participants have gone on to careers at top aerospace companies and research institutions, carrying with them the lessons - and hardware - they developed with ProtoSpace's help. Other notable sponsors of URC 2025 include AstroLab Venturi, MDA Space, Kiss Institute for Practical Robotics, and Nissan Advanced Technology Center. About ProtoSpace Mfg Headquartered in Sydney, Nova Scotia, with newly expanded facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina, ProtoSpace Mfg delivers highly customized, rapid-turnaround manufacturing solutions for clients in aerospace, defense, robotics, and other advanced technology fields. Leveraging world-class engineering and a commitment to precision, ProtoSpace helps customers move from concept to component in record time. Its decade-long support of the University Rover Challenge reflects the company's deep investment in fostering the next generation of technical leaders. Contact: Jon Phillips [email protected]
