SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA - 
(NewMediaWire) - May 29, 2024 - ProtoSpace Mfg, a leading provider of highly bespoke rapid manufacturing solutions for the global aerospace industry, proudly announces its sponsorship of the 2024 University Rover Challenge (URC), an esteemed international competition organized by the Mars Society. This event, held from May 29 to June 1, 2024, in Hanksville, Utah, challenges university teams from around the world to design and build Mars Rovers capable of performing a series of rigorous tasks. The competition aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and practical problem-solving skills among future leaders in engineering and science, and welcomes 38 teams from 10 countries, totaling approximately 650 university students.
ProtoSpace Mfg is providing substantial monetary and in-kind manufacturing support to each of the 38 competing teams, which represent 10 countries. Each team will receive a $2,000 (USD) credit towards custom parts manufactured by ProtoSpace Mfg for their Mars Rover. Additionally, teams will benefit from a 50% discount on all custom parts manufactured beyond the initial $2,000 credit. This support is designed to accelerate the development of the Rovers and enhance the overall competition experience, allowing students to bring their innovative designs to life with high-quality, custom-manufactured components.
The Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah, offers a realistic Mars-like environment, providing an ideal setting for the competition's demanding challenges. Since its inception in 2007, the URC has become a vital event for university students, showcasing their engineering, project management, and problem-solving skills.
From ProtoSpace Mfg, the following team members will attend the competition in person to support the students and engage with the next generation of innovators:
- Chris McGean – Marketing
- Cody Cecchetto – Manager, Engineering & Design Services
- Louise Viva – Key Account Manager
- Lynette Sampson – Admin and Logistics
- Crystal Pearson – Admin and Logistics
The University Rover Challenge provides a unique opportunity for students to work on a comprehensive project over the course of the school year, developing critical skills such as teamwork, project management, and innovative problem-solving. For ProtoSpace Mfg, this sponsorship represents an investment in the future of industries such as aerospace, defense, and robotics. By supporting these teams, ProtoSpace Mfg helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Allison MacDonald, Marketing Manager for ProtoSpace Mfg, commented, "Over the past several months, ProtoSpace Mfg has supported these university teams in their innovation by manufacturing the custom parts for their rovers. And now, it all culminates with the final competition, where these brilliant students will put the Mars Rover they built to the test in four challenging missions. The ProtoSpace Mfg team can't wait to connect with students in person and watch all of the action! We’re proud of them all!”
Other notable sponsors of the 2024 University Rover Challenge include AstroLab Venturi, MDA Space, Kiss Institute for Practical Robotics, and Nissan Advanced Technology Center. These sponsors, alongside ProtoSpace Mfg, play a crucial role in supporting the innovative spirit of the competition.
About ProtoSpace Mfg
Based in Sydney, Nova Scotia, ProtoSpace Mfg specializes in providing rapid, custom manufacturing solutions for industries such as aerospace, defense, and robotics. With a commitment to innovation and quality, ProtoSpace Mfg helps clients accelerate their projects and achieve their goals efficiently. By partnering with the University Rover Challenge, ProtoSpace Mfg demonstrates its dedication to fostering the next generation of engineering and scientific talent.
Media Contact:
Jon Lindsay Phillips
Phone: 704.942.1557
Email: protospace@phillcomm.global
