A replica of the spacesuit of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon, a live connection with an expedition exploring the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, the best Mars rovers from around the World and a recycled rover competition – these are just a few of the many attractions that await visitors to the 8th edition of the European Rover Challenge.
This weekend (September 9–11), the eyes of the world of robotics will be on Kielce, where 30 teams from 10 countries will compete on a specially designed artificial Martian track during the ERC 2022 competition. The main prize pool in the final of the event is as much as $5,000. The competition will take place at the Kielce University of Technology, but the lectures and accompanying demonstrations of the European Rover Challenge will also be available online. Admission to the event and the accompanying Inspiration Zone is free, and the ERC 2022 program is be full of attractions for both children and adults.
What attractions await visitors?
Visitors to the ERC will get to see Europe’s only perfectly reproduced and specially imported replica of the suit of astronaut Neil Armstrong, who became the first man to step on the moon on July 21, 1969. The event will include an opportunity to see the suit up close.
During the second day, held under the patronage of the Polish Space Agency, students from SpaceTeam AGH will present the design of a device for transporting lunar rock (regolith). It may be used in the future to obtain the resources necessary for the creation of the first human settlement on the Silver Globe.
An unusual attraction will also be the opportunity to control the rover of the Czech RoverOva team by yourself. Visitors will be able to traverse the Martian track, control the robotic arm and perform various small tasks.
There’s no way to be bored at ERC! You’ll see live not only the competitions of the best student rovers from around the world, but also an exhibitor zone where you’ll take part in scientific experiments, operate a rover, and even enter virtual reality! Meanwhile, interesting debates, lectures and meetings with special guests will be held and broadcast live on our website. Here’s a few recommended debates worth attending (on-site or online):
- How will new science and technologies change the world in the coming years? Friday, 11am
- Living in a martian city. Friday, 2.30pm
- The Moon – from survival to living. Saturday, 11am
- Art and living in space. Saturday, 2.30pm
- Financing in the space industry (with ESA astronaut, Pedro Duque). Sunday, 11am
- Live connection with Nautilus expedition! Q&A “Robotics and new technologies used in ocean exploration”. Sunday, 12.10pm
Full livestream program can be found below.
AGENDA
The rover competition and the livestream will be available to visitors every day (September 15–17, 2023, Friday to Sunday) on the campus of the Kielce University of Technology. Exhibitor zone and on-site speaker presentations will be available mostly during the weekend (September 16–17). Below you can find an agenda of the online broadcast & on-site activities. Participation in the event is free of charge. The 3-day livestream will be provided exclusively in English.
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
European Rover Challenge – World Finals (DAY 1)
World finals of European Rover Challenge 2023. Student teams from all over the world compete for the title of the best rover construction. Attendees can follow their progress on-site 15–17 in Poland, Kielce.
11.00am
STATIONARY (ENG)
The Case for Space: How the Revolution in Spaceflight Opens a Future of Limitless Possibilities + Q&A
A lecture by Dr Robert Zubrin – founder of „The Mars Society”
12.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Conversations with Jury & space industry experts
Marsyard studio
4.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Day summary
STATIONARY (ENG)
European Rover Challenge – World Finals (DAY 2)
World finals of European Rover Challenge 2023. Student teams from all over the world compete for the title of the best rover construction. Attendees can follow their progress on-site 15–17 in Poland, Kielce.
10–5.00pm
STATIONARY (ENG)
Inspiration zone
Presentations, debates and exhibitors
The Inspiration Zone is a place where everyone, regardless of age and space passion will find something for themselves. The ERC audience will not only experience amazing projects prepared by the robotics competition participants, but also see speakers and inventions from around the world, as well as an endless number of demonstrations, attractions and scientific experiments. On the main stage of the event, the attendees will see foremost inspiring presentations that will take them to the farthest corners of the universe but also various debates, in which experts from the industry related to the exploration of extraterrestrial space will share their work with the audience.
10.00am
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Takeoff (DAY 2)
A brief competition status presented by ERC Jury representatives.
10.30am
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
A Traveller’s Guide To The Stars
Keynote presentation
Les Johnson – Sci-Fi author, physicist and NASA technologist
11.15am
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
A dream voyage to the Moon and beyond
Debate
Join renowned experts from diverse fields as they examine the profound influence of literature, sci-fi, and space movies on our perception of the cosmos. Discover how science, cinematography, and literature inspire future generations of explorers, designers, architects, and engineers. Embark on this dream voyage to the Moon and beyond, where imagination meets reality.
Participants:
Les Johnson, author and NASA technologist
Prof. Gabriel Patrocinio, ISMAT
Kamil Muzyka, PFFN
Amelia VanderLaan, Consulate General of the United States of America in Krakow
Prof. Patrick Vaughan, UJ Dept. of American Studies, History of SciFi
Helena Milevych, KP Labs
12.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Conversations with Jury & space industry experts
Marsyard studio
12.30pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Inspiration zone showcase
All eyes on ERC exhibitors, rovers and student teams. A short segment dedicated to all those who shape the success of the ERC.
2.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
The Unique Role of Geologic Mapping in Support of Lunar Exploration
Keynote presentation
JAMES A. SKINNER, Jr. – Supervisory Geologist and USGS-NASA Planetary Geologic Mapping Program Coordinator (online)
2.45pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
The Artemis endeavor: a journey of international collaboration to the Moon
Debate
An interdisciplinary conversation with experts from diverse fields delving into the Artemis program's achievements and upcoming lunar exploration projects. This discussion highlights the collaborative efforts between the United States and Poland / Europe in space exploration and emphasizes the significance of intercultural dialogue and cooperation in fostering technological advancements, innovative solutions, and mission planning for future space endeavors.
Participants:
James A. Skinner, Jr. USGS-NASA (online)
Maria Antonietta Perino, Thales Alenia Space (online)
Nico Dettmann, ESA Head of Lunar Transportation Group (HRE-L)
Prof. Grzegorz Wrochna, POLSA
Dr Gordon Wasilewski, OFFWorld Europe (online)
Anna Krzyżanowska, Danish Technological Institute
3.30pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Conversations with Jury & space industry experts
Marsyard studio
4.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Inspiration zone showcase
All eyes on ERC exhibitors, rovers and student teams. A short segment dedicated to all those who shape the success of the ERC.
4.30pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Crime in space: Threat to Our Future
Lecture
Artemis Westenberg – CEO, Explore Mars Europe
Crimes in Space seems like an esoteric subject only for those of us that like to philosophize about happenstance events in the future. However, is that really so? What if a commercial/tourist astronaut, while in space, decides that he/she would like to do the EVA, in stead of a crewmember that is slated for that EVA and thus proceeds with hurting that crewmember? What if my (imaginary) Asteroid Mining Company miscalculates in the trajectory of the asteroid I am moving into Earth orbit to harvest its riches, and bye-bye Krakow? Sure, the Space Treaty stipulates that Governments (not companies!) are liable for damages. But who will adjudicate? How binding will the judgement be? What is clear that we need to figure out, and soon too, how to handle the expanding presence of humans in Space. Join me in my journey along the near future and what we need to agree on to make Space travel fair and keep it honest for everyone.
5.10pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Day summary
STATIONARY (ENG)
European Rover Challenge – World Finals (DAY 3)
World finals of European Rover Challenge 2023. Student teams from all over the world compete for the title of the best rover construction. Attendees can follow their progress on-site 15–17 in Poland, Kielce.
10–4.00pm
STATIONARY (ENG)
Inspiration zone
Presentations, debates and exhibitors
The Inspiration Zone is a place where everyone, regardless of age and space passion will find something for themselves. The ERC audience will not only experience amazing projects prepared by the robotics competition participants, but also see speakers and inventions from around the world, as well as an endless number of demonstrations, attractions and scientific experiments. On the main stage of the event, the attendees will see foremost inspiring presentations that will take them to the farthest corners of the universe but also various debates, in which experts from the industry related to the exploration of extraterrestrial space will share their work with the audience.
10.00am
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Takeoff (DAY 3)
A brief competition status presented by ERC Jury representatives.
10.30am
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Powering the Global Green Deal with Earth Observations
Keynote presentation
Dr. Anna Burzykowska – Copernicus Innovation Officer, European Space Agency
11.00am
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Space sector: driving Earth’s sustainable development. Towards Space Transformation?
Debate
Join experts from various fields in a conversation about the role of the space sector in Earth's sustainable development. Explore the sector's development and its potential for daily life applications. Discover the driving force behind transformative changes in our modern world. This discussion supports UN SDG17 goals, emphasizing Earth observation, geolocation, technology transfer, satellite communication, space science, and exploration.
Participants:
Anna Burzykowska (Copernicus Innovation Officer, ESA)
Prof. Alessandro Golkar (Technical University of Munich / MIT)
Dr Aleksandra Bukała, POLSA
Artemis Westenberg, Explore Mars Europe
11.50am
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Conversations with Jury & space industry experts
Marsyard studio
12.10pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Inspiration zone showcase
All eyes on ERC exhibitors, rovers and student teams. A short segment dedicated to all those who shape the success of the ERC.
12.50pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
“Mars on Earth” photographic project presentation
Matjaž Tančič
2.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Orbiting Opportunities: Bridging Space Innovations and Everyday Business for Earth’s Future
Keynote presentation
Shelli Brunswick (online) – COO of Space Foundation, UNOOSA Mentor, brings a broad perspective and deep vision of the global space ecosystem
2.30pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Investing in the space sector
Debate
Engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue between investors, business representatives, and space sector experts, exploring the transformative impact of space technologies, data, and services in addressing current and future Earth challenges and crises. The debate will highlight the immense potential of the space sector in generating employment opportunities, fostering start-ups, and driving innovation across various aspects of our daily lives.
Participants:
Shelli Brunswick, Space Foundation (online)
Yigal Harel and Yifat Ferrer, WeSpace Technologies (online)
Raphael Roettgen, E2MC Ventures
Michał Chwieduk, ESA BIC Poland
Dr Krzysztof Kanawka, Blue Dot Solutions
Igor Kolek, Neurospace
3.20pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG)
Inspiration zone showcase
All eyes on ERC exhibitors, rovers and student teams. A short segment dedicated to all those who shape the success of the ERC.
4.00pm
LIVESTREAM (ENG) STATIONARY (ENG)
Award ceremony
Let's find out which teams made it to the podium of both on-site and remote formula of the competition.
12.30pm
STATIONARY (ENG)
Ask Me Anything! ESA BIC Poland
WHERE: Meeting point next to Auditorium
Michal Chwieduk – Startups, teams and people willing to start their own business are welcome to ask us about possible support opportunities at ESA BIC Poland
Organizer
Coorganizers
Host City
Honorary patrons
Partners
Supporting partners
Media patrons
