Student Mars Exploration Rover Development Team “ARES Project” Selected as Finalist in University Rover Challenge 2026
April 7, 2026
The ARES Project, supported by Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd. (JAE), has passed the preliminary selection for the University Rover Challenge 2026 (URC 2026), a global Mars exploration rover competition, and has advanced to the finals to be held in May.
The ARES Project is Japan's first student-led Mars exploration rover development team, primarily composed of students from Tohoku University and Keio University. The team aims to win the University Rover Challenge (URC)—an international competition for undergraduate and graduate students—while helping develop the next generation of space-exploration professionals.
Each year, the URC attracts more than 100 teams from over a dozen countries. The preliminary evaluation—consisting of a document review and technical video assessment—is conducted in December and March, and teams that pass advance to the final competition held in the desert of southern Utah, USA. For URC 2026, a record 116 teams from 18 countries entered; following the preliminary rounds, 38 teams from 11 countries, including the ARES Project, were selected as finalists. This marks the ARES Project's third consecutive finals appearance (2024–2026). The team will compete again this year aiming to achieve its highest ranking to date.
In addition to providing development funding, JAE supports the project by supplying products and offering technical advice. The Mars rover competing in this year's finals is equipped with various JAE connectors designed for high reliability and high-current capability. JAE will continue to support the ARES Project's performance in the finals and remains committed to contributing to society through technology and to developing the next generation.
ARES Project
ARES Project | University Rover Challenge (URC) SAR 2026
University Rover Challenge
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