International Hackathon on Mars Habitat Engineering & Surface Operations

International Hackathon on Mars Habitat Engineering & Surface Operations

Date: Dec 5–7, 2026
Mode: Online
Organized by: Wings of Aero
Convenor: Ms. Suguna B – Co-Founder & CBO, Wings of Aero

1] About the Hackathon

The International Hackathon on Mars Habitat Engineering & Surface Operations is a global innovation challenge designed to engage students, researchers, engineers, and space enthusiasts in shaping the next era of sustainable human presence on Mars.
Participants will tackle real-world challenges associated with building shelters, managing resources, enabling mobility, ensuring safety, and supporting scientific operations on the Martian surface.

This hackathon aims to bridge imagination with engineering reality—encouraging breakthrough solutions for future Mars surface missions, long-duration stays, and settlement concepts. Be part of a future-defining journey!

2] Problem Statements / Tracks

(Each track includes the problem and expected type of solution.)

Track 1: Mars Habitat Structural Design Under Extreme Conditions

Problem: Martian habitats must withstand harsh radiation, dust storms, temperature swings, and reduced gravity.
Expected Solution: Design a resilient, modular structural concept using locally available resources (e.g., regolith). Include materials, load considerations, and failure-mitigation strategies.

Track 2: Life Support Systems for Long-Duration Habitat Operations

Problem: Oxygen production, CO₂ scrubbing, temperature control, and water recycling remain major challenges.
Expected Solution: Propose a closed-loop or semi-closed-loop life-support architecture emphasizing resource efficiency, redundancy, and automation.

Track 3: Martian Surface Mobility – Rovers & Logistics Vehicles

Problem: Rovers must navigate rough terrain while supporting construction, transportation, and scientific tasks.
Expected Solution: Develop conceptual rover/vehicle designs with mobility strategy, energy sources, sensing capabilities, and hazard-avoidance mechanisms.

Track 4: Energy Generation & Storage for Mars Habitats

Problem: Solar energy is unreliable during dust storms. Nuclear options raise safety concerns.
Expected Solution: Provide a hybrid energy system integrating solar, nuclear, wind, or innovative storage solutions suitable for Martian conditions.

Track 5: Autonomous Construction & 3D Printing on Mars

Problem: Human labor will be limited; robotic autonomy is essential for building early-stage habitats.
Expected Solution: Create workflows, robotic systems, or automation frameworks for in-situ construction using regolith or composite materials.

Track 6: Dust Mitigation Systems for Surface Operations

Problem: Martian dust affects machinery, solar panels, spacesuits, and airlocks.
Expected Solution: Propose mechanical, electrostatic, or material-based dust mitigation and cleaning systems for equipment and habitats.

Track 7: Sustainable Food Production & Resource Agriculture

Problem: Long-term missions require localized food production with minimal water and energy.
Expected Solution: Develop controlled-environment agriculture systems (hydroponics, aeroponics, bioreactors) optimized for Martian living.

Track 8: Emergency Response & Safety Systems for Mars Habitat Crews

Problem: Medical emergencies, habitat breaches, radiation exposure, and system failures pose severe risks.
Expected Solution: Suggest smart monitoring, rapid-deployment emergency protocols, shelters, or autonomous health support systems.

Track 9: Scientific Exploration Tools & Surface Operation Management

Problem: Efficient execution of geology, mapping, drilling, and sample-return activities is critical.
Expected Solution: Conceptualize tools, mission-planning systems, or AI-enabled surface operation management platforms.

Track 10: Individual Student Innovation Challenge

Theme: Any Original Idea Related to Mars Habitat Engineering or Surface Operations
Expected Solution: Students may propose independent, innovative concepts that address any Mars settlement or mission-support challenge with creativity and scientific feasibility.

3] Event Schedule (Three-Day)

📅 Day 1 – December 5, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Inauguration & Orientation

• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Problem Statement Briefing & Team Finalization

• 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Hacking Begins – Research & Concept Development

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Mentor Interaction Round 1

📅 Day 2 – December 6, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Prototype/Model Concept Development

• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Mentor Interaction Round 2

• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Submission of Mid-Review Draft

• 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Feedback & Improvements

📅 Day 3 – December 7, 2026

• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Final Development & Presentation Preparation

• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Final Presentations to Jury

• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Announcement of Winners & Closing Ceremony

4] Eligibility & Participation Rules

Team Size:

• Minimum: 2 members

• Maximum: 4 members

Eligibility:

• Open to school students, UG/PG students, researchers, professionals, and innovators from all disciplines.

Code of Conduct:

• Originality of ideas is mandatory.

• Respectful communication and ethical team behavior are expected.

• Plagiarism or misuse of AI tools will result in disqualification.

• All submissions must adhere to hackathon deadlines.

5] Evaluation Criteria

1. Innovation & Creativity

2. Practical Application / Social or Mission Impact

3. Technical Implementation & Feasibility

4. Scalability & Long-Term Utility

5. Presentation, Clarity & Documentation

6] Prizes & Recognition

• Top 10 Winning Teams:
  Receive USD 1000 Worth of Voucher under the “Idea to Startup Scheme” by SUKISH GROUP

• Top 3 Ideas:
  Will be shared with leading companies/research organizations for Seed Funding Support, such as:

  1. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

  2. SpaceX

  3. ISRO – Human Spaceflight Programme

  4. ESA – European Space Agency

  5. Blue Origin / Blue Alchemist Program

• Certificates:
  All participants receive Certificates of Participation.

• Special Category:
  Innovation Awards during WOA International Awards 2026 Series

• Showcase Opportunity:
  Selected teams will present at relevant WOA International Conferences.

• Publication:
  All shortlisted ideas will be abstracted in the WOA International Journal.

7] Registration Section

Indian Team (Up to 4 Members):

Fee: ₹499
Registration Link: https://rzp.io/rzp/OIdx3sUB

International Team (Up to 4 Members):

Fee: USD 50
Registration Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQX8AYUCPJ7GL

Registration Deadline:

November 28, 2026 (One week before the event start date)

8] Contact Information

📩 Email: contact@wingsofaero.in
🌐 Website: www.wingsofaero.in/events