NASA is expanding its Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) following a 2024 competition that drew international attention. The 2025 competition will now include a remote control division and, for the first time, invites middle school students to participate.
Scheduled for April 11-12, 2025, the 31st annual HERC competition will be held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. NASA’s Southeast Regional Office of STEM Engagement at Marshall manages the event. The HERC 2025 Handbook, which includes guidelines for the new remote control (RC) division – ROVR (Remote-Operated Vehicular Research) – is now available. The handbook also details updates for the human-powered division.
Chris Joren, HERC technical coordinator, shared insights on the new RC division: “Our RC division significantly lowers the barrier to entry for schools without access to manufacturing facilities or sufficient funding. It also benefits those lacking technical mentorship for designing and building a human-powered rover.” Joren emphasized that the RC division, being safer and less physically demanding, is ideal for middle school teams. He encouraged these teams to submit proposals for HERC 2025.
Another change for 2025 involves removing task sites from the course for the human-powered rover division. This adjustment allows teams to concentrate on the design of their rovers. Recognized as NASA’s leading international student challenge, the 2025 competition aims to immerse participants in the Artemis campaign. Competitors will pitch engineering designs for lunar terrain vehicles, imagining themselves as astronauts navigating the Moon’s surface while overcoming various obstacles.
Vemitra Alexander, HERC activity lead, explained the broader goals of the competition: “The HERC team wanted to create a challenge that helps students develop 21st-century skills, workforce readiness, and transferable abilities. Participants learn the engineering design process, enhance public speaking skills, engage in community outreach, and master collaboration with peers.” Alexander expressed excitement about HERC’s growth and its impact on students globally.
NASA invites students interested in designing, developing, building, and testing rovers for Moon and Mars exploration to submit proposals by September 19.
In 2024, more than 1,000 students across 72 teams from around the world participated in the 30th-anniversary HERC competition. These teams represented 42 colleges and universities, 30 high schools, 24 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 13 other countries.
Joren highlighted the significant recognition HERC received in 2024: “We saw a massive jump in recognition, not only from within NASA but also from international teams who met dignitaries and ambassadors from their home countries.” He praised the dedication and resilience of the students and their mentors, noting their enthusiasm despite challenges.
HERC is one of NASA’s eight Artemis Student Challenges, which reflect the goals of the Artemis campaign. This campaign seeks to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon while establishing a long-term presence for science and exploration. NASA uses these challenges to inspire students to pursue degrees and careers in STEM fields.
Since its inception in 1994, HERC has seen participation from over 15,000 students, many of whom now work at NASA or within the aerospace industry.
Credits: Nasa
Author: Wayne Smith
