This application window has now closed. Successful applicants will be informed by 17:00 Thursday 5th February
We are looking for students to join our expedition, which runs in the evenings (19:00 – 22:00) of 14-20 February 2026, simulating a rover mission on the surface of Mars. This is an online event, where you will be part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-institution team running a rover mission, from your own home! Under the expert guidance of staff members from the Open University, including Professor Susanne Schwenzer who works on the Curiosity Rover team, successful applicants will follow a realistic timeline of Martian operations. The activity will take place:
- An operational briefing from 13:00 – 14:00 GMT on Saturday 14th Feb
- Mission planning at 19:00 – 22:00 GMT on Sunday 15th Feb – Thursday 19th Feb
- An operational debriefing from 19:00-22:00 GMT on Friday 20th Feb
- Approximately 1 hour of asynchronous activities a few times throughout the week
Martian rover teams need specialists from lots of fields. This opportunity is open to any undergraduate or taught masters student at a UK university or college, and is particularly relevant to those studying engineering, geology, Earth science, planetary science, physics, chemistry, and biology. However, applications are welcomed from everyone with a passion for space!
Learn more about the opportunity in the YouTube video below!
If you have any questions about this opportunity, don’t hesitate to contact the SUN team at sun.ac.uk@gmail.com
Applications Close: Monday 2nd February 12:00 GMT
Successful Applicants Informed: Thursday 5th February
Mars Yars: Saturday 14th February – Friday 20th February
Learn more about the opportunity from The Open University's Professor Susanne Schwenzer
Hear From Previous Participants
“The activity helps to learn about the instruments [on Curiosity] as well as improving teamworking skills and confidence. Also, you can learn a lot more about geology and other disciplines. I realised I can speak in-front of a large-ish group of strangers (who became my friends during the week) and I really enjoyed the activity”
“I would strongly recommend this to academics at my institution. This activity is a great way to understand what it is like to be in the room that shapes up our understanding of the universe. I got a chance to bring forth everything I could offer to make the mission work and be a part of an incredibly talented team. I was able to finally understand and apply the theory I have learned in my education all these years.”
“Mars Yard is one of my favourite experiences to date. Going from a rag-tag group of nervous students and professionals into a well-oiled machine over the course of the week was hugely eye-opening, and getting the opportunity to practice my specialist skills with the advice of industry experts was invaluable. You won’t find a better opportunity to get hands-on in a real team to achieve real goals on a real rover.”