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VEMEC NASA HERC 2023

HUMAN EXPLORATION ROVER CHALLENGE

The Human Exploration Rover Challenge is a prestigious international competition organized by NASA, where teams design, build, and race human-powered rovers through challenging terrains that simulate extraterrestrial environments. The event promotes innovation, engineering skills, and teamwork, encouraging participants to solve real-world problems related to planetary exploration and mobility.

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Our Story

Our Mechatronic Engineering students are currently in the United States participating in the prestigious "Human Exploration Rover Challenge" 2023, organized by NASA - the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. We are incredibly proud to have these talented students representing our country at this international competition. Their participation not only showcases their skills and dedication but also brings great honor to our university and Bolivia. The competition kicks off today at 10:00 AM (Bolivian time), and we encourage everyone to support our team by tuning in to the live broadcast. Join us and show your support by commenting "UCB Vemec-Bolivia" during the live stream. Best of luck to our team, and we look forward to seeing them shine in this incredible event! You can follow the live stream here: [Link]. To read the full article, click here: [Link].

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VEMEC Team Represents Bolivia in NASA's Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2023

The Vehículos Mecatrónicos (VEMEC) team from the Mechatronic Engineering program at the Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” has been selected to participate in the prestigious NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC 2023). After an intense selection process, the team received the invitation to compete in this international event.

A Global Stage for Innovation

The competition will take place from April 20 to 22 in Huntsville, Alabama. Around 60 teams from across the world will participate, each presenting their custom-designed lunar vehicles (rovers). These vehicles must navigate a course that mimics outer space terrain, demonstrating their ability to collect samples, just like real space missions.

VEMEC’s Achievements in the Competition

In the 2021 virtual edition, VEMEC won the “Videography Award” for showcasing the rover's technical and functional features in a detailed video. This year, the team has elevated their challenge by transporting their rover to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, to compete live against international teams.

Rover Vehicle and Technologies Employed

  • Mechanical Engineering: The rover’s construction involved advanced mechanical designs to ensure robustness and adaptability in the harsh space-like conditions of the competition course.

  • Dynamics and Control Systems: The vehicle’s movement and stability were tested and optimized through dynamic control systems to navigate various terrains effectively.

  • Rapid Prototyping and Welding: Techniques for rapid prototyping and precision welding were essential in building durable and functional components of the rover.

  • Electronics and Robotics: The rover incorporates cutting-edge robotics and electronics for tasks like sample collection and data transmission in a simulated lunar environment.

A Year of Preparation and Growth

The VEMEC team consists of twelve students and a mentor, who spent a year developing their rover. Throughout the year, they also conducted free workshops, technological camps, and courses on STEAM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics). These activities inspired children and young people to engage with science, technology, astronomy, robotics, electronics, and 3D design.

Proudly Representing Bolivia on the Global Stage

Representing Bolivia at NASA is a source of immense pride for the VEMEC team. The competition highlights their technical achievements and reinforces the importance of innovation and research in engineering. Marcelo Velásquez, the project leader, is particularly proud of the team's journey and the opportunity to contribute to Bolivia's growing presence in international scientific and technological competitions.

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