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2025 National Mars Mission Competition Guidelines

Click here to register via the National Museum of Natural Science Registration System

  1. Event Purpose

As Nations from all over the world continue to launch rockets and space probes to Mars, it raises hopes for future Martian habitation and space life. This event aims to spark the interest of high school and university students in space science, to develop the future generation of Taiwanese students with enhanced scientific application abilities and the capacity to engage with the world around them. It encourages people to raise scientific concerns, apply theories and knowledge from various fields, and brainstorm answers to potential challenges encountered in space or on Mars. Ultimately, the results will be showcased through practical implementation, displayed at the National Museum of Natural science, and shared with the public. This event, organized in conjunction with the Taiwan Science Festival, aims to improve students’ and the publics’ understanding of space issues and basic scientific literacy through participation and interaction while also addressing survival strategies in the face of extreme climate change.

 

  1. Organizing Units

Tunghai University, National Museum of Natural Science

  1. Advising Units

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Ministry of Education’s Higher Education SPROUT Project

 

  1. Eligibility
  1. Students who are currently enrolled in public or private high schools, colleges, and universities in Taiwan.
  1. All entries must be submitted as teams, with a maximum of five members. Team members must actively participate, since the distribution of tasks among team members will be considered in the scoring. No substitution or impersonation is allowed.
  2. Each team may have up to two advising teachers. Any changes in team members or advising teachers after registration must be informed to avoid affecting the score and certificate issues.

 

  1. Competition Date and Time

November 15-16, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)

 

  1. Competition Venue

National museum of Natural Science, Taichung

 

  1. Entry Fees

The entry fee is NT$1,200 per team

 

 

  1. Registration Period

The registration period is from October 1 to October 20, 2025, at 24:00 (midnight)

 

  1. Competition Categories and Quotas
  1. Main Competitions:
  1. Mars Science Fair Competition: Divided into natural sciences and social sciences, participants will apply various expertise, including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, electronics/electrical machinery, artificial intelligence, and theories of humanities, society, economics, and politics, to solve problems potentially encountered during survival on Mars or long-term space travel.
  2. Mars Rover Landing Competition: Prior to the competition, competitors must design a suitable landing device based on the assigned Mars rover. No material restrictions are imposed. On the day of competition, the rover will be lifted 40 meters and dropped upon the bull’s eye by a drone that the organizer has provided. The design theory of the landing device and the accuracy of the rover’s landing will be the primary focus.
  3. Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Competition: Participants must design a vehicle that can avoid obstacles of a certain size. The vehicle will drive through a simulated Martian landscape, navigating various terrains and dodging certain obstacles. The primary focus will be on the vehicle’s design and the time required to go through the obstacles. Remote control is not allowed.

 

  1. Interactive Science Learning Activities:
  1. KNO3-Fuel Rocket Activity: Both participating students and the public are welcome to join this activity to engage in the production and launch of nitrated sugar rockets. On-site registration is required, and no fee will be charged (free). The activity will be organized in multiple sessions and the participants will be assigned to small groups for each session. This activity will open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM on November 15th.
  2. Non-Competitive Science Exhibition: Groups from elementary schools to university are encouraged to present space-related science demonstrations. Registration details will be announced on the Mission Mars official website.
  3. Mission Mars 10th Anniversary Special Exhibition: This exhibition, organized by Tunghai university, the National Museum of Science and Technology, and the National Space Center, will run for four weeks (October 21st to November 16th) and showcases Mars survival. It will include various subjects related to Mars survival, such as natural science and social science application, as well as the growth and uses of the space industry. Physical model of the National Space Center’s orbital rocket, Formosat-9, and the Pheonix satellite will be on display.

 

  1. Admission Quota:

Mars Science Fair Competition: 40 teams (with an additional 10 teams on the waiting list)

(Please indicate whether the team focuses on Natural Science or Social Science at registration.)

Mars Rover Landing Competition: 30 teams (with an additional 5 teams on the waiting list)

Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Competition: 20 teams (with an additional 5 teams on the waiting list)

 

  1. Awards and Prizes
  1. Each participating team will receive a certificate of participation from the organizer.
  2. Each advisor will receive a certificate of advisory.
  3. Team with the most outstanding performance in each event will be ranked according to the score: first place, second place, third place, and honorable mention.
  4. Each team that wins a place in the Mars Science Fair Competition, Mars Rover Landing Competition, Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Competition will receive a certificate of honor. The Science Fair is divided into university and high school categories, the prizes for the Natural Science and Social Science in high school category will be separated. The following rewards will be given to each team as an incentive:
  1. First place: Each team will receive NT$6000
  2. Second place: Each team will receive NT$4000
  3. Third place: Each team will receive NT$3000
  4. Honorable mention: Each team will receive NT$1000

 

  1. Contact Information
  1. For inquiries, please contact the organizers through the official email or social media channels.
  1. Mission Mars Email: thumissionmars@gmail.com
  2. Official Website: https://missionmars.thu.edu.tw
  3. Instagram Page: search for @missionmars_thu
  4. Facebook Page: search for “火星任務競賽 Mission Mars” or Hashtag @THUMissionMars

 

 

  1. Schedule of Events

 

11/15 (SATURDAY) DAY 1

Time

Event

Location

9:00-9:30

Check-in

Plaza in front of the Life Science Hall

9:30-10:00

Opening Ceremony

Oval Plaza

10:00-10:30

Science Exhibition Setup (Participants)

First Floor, Oval Corridor

10:30-12:00

Science Exhibition Theory Evaluation

10:00-12:00

Mars Rover Obstacle Navigation Terrain Test

B1 Gymnasium

Rover Landing Flight Test

12:30-14:00

Lunch Break

Follow the instructions of event personnel

14:00-16:00

Science Exhibition Theory Evaluation

First Floor, Oval Corridor

Mars Rover landing/Obstacle Avoidance Theory Evaluation

B1 Gymnasium

 

11/16 (SUNDAY) DAY 2

Time

Event

Location

9:30-10:00

Check-in

Plaza in front of the Life Science Hall

10:00-12:00

Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Competition

Oval Plaza

12:00-14:00

Lunch Break

Follow the instructions of event personnel

14:00-16:00

Mars Rover Landing Competition

Oval Plaza

16:30-17:00

Closing Ceremony

Multi-Purpose Theater

 

 

 

                 

 

 

 

 

  1. Important Notes
  1. Please refer to the competition rules and regulations for detailed event requirements.
  2. Teams participating in Mars Science Fair Competition may also register for the Mars Rover Landing Competition and the Mars Rover Obstacle-Avoidance Competition. Please indicate this in the registration system so that judging schedules can be properly arranged.
  3. Participants must comply with epidemic prevention measures. The Mission Mars will make adjustments in line with official announcements, which will be posted on the official website.
  4. During the event, all participants, judges, staff, and guests must carry the name badge and pass provided by the organizers when entering or leaving the National Museum of Natural Science.
  5. From October 11th to November 9th, 2025, the Mars Base at Tunghai University’s Second Campus will be open for participants to test their obstacle-navigating and landing rovers. Please contact the organizers in advance.
  6. Please refer to Appendix I for details regarding copyright and personal data usage.

 

 

  1.  

Registration and Payment Methods

  • The National Mission Mars Competition is open to all current high school, vocational school, and university students in Taiwan. Registration is conducted online, so please pay close attention to the registration deadlines and allow sufficient time to become familiar with the system to avoid missing the submission window. Registering early not only allows you to practice obstacle-navigating and landing at the Mars Base ahead of time but also gives Science Fair teams the chance to submit their idea proposal for review and feedback from university professors, which will improve your performance in the competition.
  1. Registration Period:

October 1, 2025 to October 20, 2025, at 24:00 (midnight)

  1. Online Registration Website:

Registration for the National Science and Technology Museum’s educational activities (Registration opens at 8:00 AM to October 1st ).

  1. National Students
  1. Current students enrolled in public or private high schools, colleges, and universities in Taiwan.
  2. Teams of no more than 5 members may register for any event. Teamwork and collaboration are essential for grading. Team members must be present, and impersonators are not permitted.
  3. All team members are required to enter their real Chinese and English names when registering online. Any inaccuracies will result in the cancellation of the registration by the organizers. If the team members require changes after registration, please contact the organizers for modification.
  4. Each participating team will receive a national competition certificate in both Chinese and English. The team’s name will be listed on the certificate. Please refrain from participating with inappropriate name.
  1. Advising Teachers
  1. Each team is limited to two advising teachers. Advising teachers are not allowed to design or finish the competition on behalf of the students. If there’s no advising teacher providing actual guidance, they are exempt from this requirement.
  2. A certificate of mentoring will be given to the instructors.

 

  1. Registration Steps:
  1. Register through the National Museum of Natural Science’s Educational Programs Personal Registration System. Follow the instructions to complete your registration.
  2. Please carefully read Appendix 1 (Copyright and Personal Data Usage Agreement) before registering.
  3. Payment deadline: October 23, 2025, at 24:00 midnight.
  1. Once you registered, the system will show you whether you’re accepted or not.
  2. Payment will be made immediately after registration.
  1. Notification Period for Waitlisted Teams to be admitted as Official Participants:
  1. Each team must complete their payment by midnight on October 31st. Please contact the organizers if there are any issues.
  2. Participants who cannot be contacted by October 30 will be deemed to have withdrawn from the competition, and the remaining spots will not be reassigned.
  1. Payment Methods:
  • Registration is conducted on a team basis, with a registration fee of NT$1,200 per team
  • Once a team’s registration is successfully confirmed, one of the following payment methods may be chosen:
  1. Online credit card payment
  2. Payment at convenience stores
  3. ATM transfer (including physical ATM and online ATM)
  4. Payment at the National Museum of Natural Science
  • Online credit card payments are processed through the e-Government Service Platform. Any credit card transaction fees are determined by the issuing bank. A full list of participating banks and associated fees can be found in the “Credit Card Transaction Fee Table.”
  • Payments made via convenience stores or ATM transfers are required to print the payment slip. Transaction fees are additional and not included in the registration fee.
  • Payment receipts should be kept until the payment is confirmed. The official receipt can be downloaded from the registration system once the payment is verified.
  • Payment using credit card, convenience store, or ATM transfer must be completed within the payment deadline. Late payments through these methods will not be accepted. If the payment slip expires, payment can still be made in person at the National Museum of Natural Science during their operating hours on the day following the payment deadline, before 4:00 p.m.

 

  1. Refund Methods:
  • If you are unable to attend the event after registering and paying, you may request online for a refund. Please refer to the “Online Refund Application Instructions” for further information. Please refer to Figure 1 for the refundable amount:
  1. Applications for refund that are filed at least 15 days prior to the event date will be reimbursed 90% of the registration cost.
  2. 70% of the registration fee will be reimbursed if the applications are filed for at least 8-14 days prior to the event date.
  3. 50% of the registration fee will be reimbursed if the applications are filed for at least 2-7 days prior to the event date.
  4. Applications for refund that are filed on the day of the event or one day prior will not be reimbursed.

Figure 1: Registration Refund Schedule and Rates.

  1. Notes:
  1. Online registration is available for the National Mission Mars Competition. To prevent missing the online registration and payment deadline, please note the registration deadline and give yourself enough time to familiarize yourself with the online registration system.
  2. The admission to the Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Competition, Mars Rover Landing Competition, and Mars Science Fair Competition will be based on the order of registration. If a confirmed participants fails to complete payment, the spot will be filled by a waitlisted participant in sequential order.
  3. After the registration ends, the list of accepted applicants is available on the registration system. Each participant will also receive individual notifications from the organizer.
  4. When registering, you must select a payment method and pay by the deadline. Teams who are accepted have until October 23rd ,2025, to pay. Failure to contact the organizers will be regarded as forfeiting its admission. The spot will then be filled by waitlisted teams in sequential order, until all waitlisted teams have been promoted and payment is completed, only then can the competition eligibility be passed on to the next team.
  5. Mission Mars encourages participation through university courses. If a course is integrated with participation, please indicate the course title and the supervising professor in the registration system, so that the organizer may adjust admissions accordingly.
  6. If an admitted participant has already paid but wishes to cancel, please follow the refund procedure as outlined in the refund policy section.
  7. If an admitted participant has selected payment method but has not yet paid, and the registration deadline (October 20) has not passed, the system will still recognize the registration as paid. In this case, the participant cannot cancel online and must contact the event organizer to remove the selected payment method.
  8. If an admitted participant cannot attend the competition due to specific circumstances, they must cancel online before the registration deadline. Those who fail to notify the organizer in advance or do not complete payment by the deadline will be considered to have forfeited their admission, and their absence will be recorded. Participants who accumulate three recorded absences will have their online reservation privileges for museum activities suspended for six months.
  9. For any issues regarding registration or payment, please contact the Mission Mars organizing team for assistance.

 

Competition Rules and Regulations

 

  1. Competition Categories
  1. Mars Science Fair Competition
  • The competition will be divided into natural sciences and social sciences. Teams will apply theories and literature in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, electronics, electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, as well as humanities, society, economics, and politics to solve problems potentially encountered during survival on Mars or long-term space travel. High school students will compete separately in the natural sciences and social categories.
  • Before October 31st, each team should discuss and propose an exhibition topic in advance, complete the concept proposal from (Appendix 3), and send it to the organizer (thumissionmars@gmail.com) for review by October 31st. The organizer will provide professional feedback before the competition. Participants must complete their work independently and set up posters and exhibit their work at designated booths after the opening on the morning of November 15th. Scoring will begin at 10:30 AM. Participants will present their concept and work to the judges and attendees (Appendix 4).
  • The organizers will provide one poster board (A0). The content must include an introduction to the theories and concepts applied. Each booth has a total width of 2 meters. Team requiring an additional poster board must notify the organizer in advance; only one additional board is permitted (poster width: 90cm).
  • Competition topics examples. These examples are for reference only and serve as possible direction. Participants are not limited to these topics.

 

Natural Science Fields:

  1. Energy Production and Recycling
  2. Food Sources on Mars
  3. Health Issues and Medicine in Space
  4. Cognitive Science on Mars
  5. Orbital Computation
  6. Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Survival

 

Social Science Fields:

  1. How Martian Settlements Can Achieve Consensus
  2. Preventing the Transition from Space Competition to Space Warfare
  3. Martian Migration: Establishing a New Order or Continuing Earth’s Existing Systems
  4. Economic Systems after Martian Colonization
  5. Power and Class Structures in Space Colonies
  6. New Inhabitants of the Universe

 

  • Friendly Reminder

The Mars Science Fair encourages the students to present their chosen theories not only through poster displays, but also by making good use of supplementary tools such as computers, visual aids, and other interactive methods to engage with judges and the public while presenting their selected hypotheses. Consider how the National Museum of Natural Science uses its various exhibits to communicate complex scientific knowledge in a way that is accessible to the public.

Participants in the Natural Sciences category are urged to include practical examples, such as models or basic gadgets, to help make their concepts more concrete and understandable. For instance, scientist Richard Feynman famously showed how the Challenger Space Shuttle’s O-rings lost their flexibility in freezing temperatures by submerging a rubber O-ring in ice water after the shuttle’s catastrophic 1986 explosion.

         Participants in the Social Sciences category are invited to exhibit their ideas and solutions for the selected issue using writing, images, storytelling, or even games. For example, the famous “Prisoner’s Dilemma” tale is frequently used in economics to illustrate game theory, demonstrating how decisions between collaboration and self-interest can have drastically opposing effects on both individuals and organizations.

 

  1. Mars Rover Landing Competition

Each team is encouraged to exercise creativity in designing equipment to assist the Mars rover in achieving a stable landing, such as parachutes or any other form of gravity-buffering device. On the day of the competition, the organizer will provide a drone to conduct high-altitude deployment. Prior to the event, participants shall design landing equipment for the electronic sensing Mars rover provided by the organizer. Materials are unrestricted; however, costs will not be subsidized.

 

On Day 1 (November,15), teams shall install the landing equipment onto the Mars rover. Limited on-site landing tests and adjustments will be permitted. Team will present their design concepts, highlight creativity, and demonstrate teamwork to the panel of judges for evaluation.

 

On Day 2 (November 16, afternoon), the public competition will be conducted, during which the effectiveness of all landing equipment will be tested uniformly. The Mars rover and its landing device shall be placed into the release compartment of the large drone (Appendix 5). The drone will ascend to an altitude of 40 meters before release. Following landing, performance will be assessed based on accuracy and related indicators. During deployment, the organizer will provide real-time weather updates and wind flags. Contestants may decide whether to add weight or adjust their equipment according to wind conditions. Scoring will be based on the accuracy of the landing location and the upright stability of the electronic sensing rover (refer to evaluation items for details).

 

During the landing process, participants must independently design and construct their landing equipment or rover vehicle. Th entire process, including determination of the landing point, must be conducted without human intervention, to stimulate the actual landing of a Mars rover on the Martian surface. Designs must prioritize safety, ensuring no damage to the venue or risks to participants. The use of fire is strictly prohibited. Should the judging panel determine that a team is employing hazardous landing equipment, the team may be disqualified at the panel’s discretion.

 

  • Friendly Reminder

In actual Mars rover missions, the probe must pass through atmospheric entry. Since Mars has gravity, it is important to design effective cushioning or protective systems to prevent the rover from being damaged during descent. In addition, after landing, there must be a reliable mechanism to allow the rover to exit its landing buffer system. From the moment of atmospheric entry to landing and the rover’s deployment, there is a seven-minute period during which control or communication from Earth is not possible. Therefore, this process must be carefully planned and calculated in advance. A simulation video of NASA’s perseverance rover landing is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzmd7RouGrM

   When using a parachute as the landing mechanism, participants may consider that longer suspension lines cause the canopy to deploy more slowly. While this increases the speed. Of free fall and reduces deviation from the target, it also results in a stronger impact upon landing. Conversely, shorter suspension line yields the opposite effect. Teams are encouraged to find an appropriate balance between line length and canopy size within 40-meter landing height.

The us e of multiple parachutes is also permitted; however, teams must practice proper packing to avoid entanglement during deployment.

Furthermore, the Mission Mars Competition encourages teams to integrate imaging, coordinate recognition, or airflow propulsion systems into their landing designs, to achieve lan dings without relying on remote-control intervention.

The following are the relevant points:

  1. Aside from the Mars rover, the organizer does not provide any props or materials. Participants are requested to prepare their own. After the competition, participants are free to take their submissions home.
  2. To ensure the drone’s safety while in flight, the landing device must meet the specifications specified by the organizer to avoid compromising the safety of the drone during flight.
  3. During the competition, the instructions of the on-site organizer must be strictly followed to avoid compromising the rights and interests of the organizers and participating teams.
  4. All designs involving additional landing equipment must not cause damage to the museum grounds or venue and must comply with safety regulations. The use of open flames is strictly prohibited. Should jet-propulsion devices be required, the organizers must be notified in advance.
  5. If any design or modification is found to violate safety regulations or pose potential risks, the organizers reserve the right to revoke the participant’s eligibility.

 

 

  1. Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Competition

Participants are required to independently design and build their obstacle-avoidance rover. The design and appearance are not restricted; however, the rover’s dimensions must not exceed 27 cm (L) x 20 cm (W) x 20 cm (H). The method of obstacle avoidance is left to the teams’ discretion and may include infrared, ultrasonic sensors, image recognition, autonomous programming, or other mechanisms.

The use of Bluetooth, infrared remote controls, or any form of manual remote operation is strictly prohibited. Violation of these rules will result in immediate disqualification.

All components used in the rover may be modified according to the team’s chosen strategy; however, the organizers will not subsidize any component costs. Each team must ensure their rover is fully prepared for both on-site display and competition before evaluation.

On the first day of the event, the organizers will provide a test track measuring 300 cm in length for practice runs. Prior to the competition, the judges will conduct the first stage of evaluation, which includes an explanation of the design concept, creativity, and teamwork. During the event, participants are also encouraged to engage with visitors by presenting and explaining their projects.

The official obstacle-avoidance competition will be held in the afternoon of the event day. The course will consist of a simulated Martian environment track measuring 170 cm in width and 400 cm in length, containing various obstacles and sloped terrains. Each team must complete the course within five minutes. Distance traveled, number of collisions, and competition time will serve as the basis for the second stage of evaluation (see detailed scoring criteria).

If the rover stalls mid-competition, it may be returned to the starting point; however, time and collision counts will continue to accumulate. Teams may also choose to withdraw from the competition, in which case their farthest distance traveled, and last recorded collision count will be used as their final score.

Additional Notes:

  1. If weather conditions prevent the competition from taking place at the original venue, it will be relocated indoors.
  2. Each team is responsible for bringing their own equipment, such as computers, charging cables, and tools.
  3. Rover designs must not cause damage to the competition venue.

 

  • Friendly Reminder

The judging criteria and competition rules for the Mars Science Fair, the Mars Rover Landing Challenge, and the Mars Rover Obstacle Avoidance Challenge may be adjusted. The panel of judges and the organizers reserve the right to make such adjustments.

 

  1. Scoring Criteria
  1. Mars Science Fair Competition
  1. Relevance of the problem being addressed to Mars or space exploration (20%)
  2. Theoretical foundation and literature support (30%)
  3. Completeness of project presentation (20%)
  4. Clarity of expression, including oral presentation and demonstration (20%)
  5. Teamwork and work distribution (10%)

 

  1. Mars Rover Landing Competition

The evaluation consists of two stages:

  • Stage 1 (50% of total score): Theoretical foundation, including landing design concepts, rover protection, and deployment design (50%); creativity of design (30%); teamwork (20%).
  • Stage 2 (50% of total score): Landing accuracy (50%), upright position after landing (30%), and rover integrity (20%).

Landing accuracy will be scored according to the rover’s position on the circular target: bullseye earns 100 points; outermost ring earns 60 points. If the rover lands between two scoring zones, the higher score will be awarded. Landing outside the target area (e.g., second-floor platform, plaza steps, corridors) or landings within the target area caused by external interference (e.g., collisions with walls) will result in a default score of 40 points for Stage 2 (See appendix 6).

For uprightness, scores are fully upright (100 pints), tilted (50 points), overturned (20 points), determined by electronic sensors.

For integrity, the rover must land without any parts detaching or being damaged. A fully intact rover earns 100 points; otherwise, 50 points will be awarded.

 

  1. Mars Rover Obstacle-Avoidance Competition

The evaluation is divided into two stages:

  • Stage 1 (50% of total score): Scientific reasoning, including explanation and Q&A with judges. Assessment criteria including programming design, creativity, and teamwork. Programming will be evaluated based on logic, obstacle-response mechanisms, and demonstration results. Creativity will be assessed based on appearance, structure, and functional design, weighted as follows: programming and hardware (60%), creativity (30%), teamwork (10%).
  • Stage 2 (50% of total score): Actual performance in the obstacle course, including travel distance (60%), competition time (40%), and number of collisions (Deductions).

Travel distance is measured from the vehicle’s starting point. Completing the full 400 cm course earns 100 points, with a deduction of 5 points for every 50 cm short. Competition time is capped at 5 minutes: finishing within 30 seconds earns 100 points, with a deduction of 5 points for every additional 30 seconds. Collisions score deductions will be based on the total number of impacts with obstacles or boundaries from the start until the end of the race (or until the team forfeits).

 

2025 National Mars Mission Competition Guidelines PDF (Including Attachments):

 

2025 National Mars Mission Competition Guidelines (Final Draft)

Click here to register via the National Museum of Natural Science Registration System

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