Missouri S&T Mars Rover Team Wins 2025 University Rover Challenge

The Mars Rover Design Team from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) has claimed first place at the prestigious 2025 University Rover Challenge (URC) — an annual international robotics competition held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.

The competition challenged teams from around the globe to design and build advanced Mars rovers capable of completing simulated planetary tasks. Missouri S&T’s rover, named Talos, performed exceptionally across a series of four field missions and a comprehensive design review.

🚀 Outstanding Performance Across Missions

Talos was tested in realistic Martian terrain conditions — including soft sand, rocky landscapes, vertical drops, and steep inclines — while also being evaluated for its autonomous navigation capabilities.

Missouri S&T’s team earned top placements in multiple categories:

• 🥇 1st place – System Acceptance Review (written and video design submission)
• 🥇 1st place – Equipment Servicing Mission (30+ points ahead of 2nd place)
• 🥈 2nd place – Delivery Mission
• 🥉 Tied for 3rd – Science Mission
• 🤖 Tied for 4th – Autonomous Navigation Mission

A video highlighting Talos’s design and features is available on YouTube.

🌍 A Global Competition

Missouri S&T competed against 38 teams representing countries including:
Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Türkiye, and multiple U.S. universities.

👩‍💻 Meet the Missouri S&T Mars Rover Team

The following students represented Missouri S&T at the competition:

• Alex Adams – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering (Knob Noster, MO)
• Lauren Booth – Junior, Geology & Geophysics (New London, MO)
• Ethan Chapie – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering (St. Louis, MO)
• Aster Davidson – Junior, Chemistry & Physics (St. Louis, MO)
• Jesse Deuel – Senior, Computer Engineering (Mill Valley, CA)
• Gabriel Duncan – Junior, Physics (Simpson, IL)
• Angel Espinoza-Mendoza – Sophomore, Electrical Engineering (Maryland Heights, MO)
• Abby Frerking – B.S., Mechanical Engineering (Columbia, MO)
• Will Grove – Junior, Computer Engineering (Independence, MO)
• Sam Hajdukiewicz – Junior, Computer Science (Chesterfield, MO)
• Morgan Johnson – Junior, Computer Science (St. Louis, MO)
• Sam Jones – Junior, Mechanical Engineering (Springdale, AR)
• Adam Klassen – Senior, Computer Engineering (Saint Joseph, MO)
• Remy Mathenia – Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering (Rolla, MO)
• Cooper Ritzma – Senior, Electrical Engineering (Concordia, MO)
• Chase Stem – Senior, Aerospace Engineering (Columbia, MO)
• Ryan Swan – Junior, Mechanical Engineering (Wildwood, MO)
• Sofia Tripp – Junior, Physics (St. Louis, MO)
• Josie Tyndorf – Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering (Carlsbad, NM)
• Will Weidler – B.S., Computer Science (St. Louis, MO)

🎓 About Missouri S&T

Missouri University of Science and Technology is a STEM-focused research university in Rolla, Missouri, serving over 7,000 students. As part of the University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers 100+ degree programs in 40 areas and consistently ranks among the top U.S. public universities for career earnings potential (Wall Street Journal).

🔗 Learn more at www.mst.edu

Study in Missouri from Bangladesh: Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) offers a comprehensive admissions process for international students seeking undergraduate or graduate studies on campus in Rolla, Missouri. Here’s a detailed overview to guide you through the application process:

🌍 Who Qualifies as an International Student?

You are considered an international applicant if you:

• Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Plan to attend classes on campus at Missouri S&T.
• Are applying as a first-time freshman, transfer student, or graduate student.

📚 Admission Requirements

First-Time Freshmen

To apply as an international first-time freshman, you should:

• Have completed secondary school (equivalent to U.S. high school).
• Not have enrolled in or received credit from a post-secondary institution.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • PTE: 58
  • Duolingo: 115
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500futurestudents.mst.educatalog.mst.edu+1futurestudents.mst.edu+1

If you do not meet these scores, you may be eligible for the Pathway Program, which allows you to take academic classes while improving your English skills.

Transfer Students

For international transfer applicants:

• You must have completed some post-secondary coursework but not a bachelor’s degree.
• The last 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree must be completed at Missouri S&T.
• English proficiency requirements are:
  • TOEFL: 79
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE: 53
  • Completion of a recognized U.S.-based ESL program

Graduate Students

Graduate applicants should:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Provide standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT) if required by the program.
• Demonstrate English proficiency (specific scores may vary by program).
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $55.

🗓️ Application Deadlines

Missouri S&T operates on a rolling admissions basis, but it’s recommended to apply by the following dates for optimal consideration:

• Fall Semester (August–December):
  • Priority Scholarship Deadline: December 1
  • Final Scholarship Deadline: February 1
• Spring Semester (January–May):
  • Apply before December 1
• Summer Semester (May–July):
  • Apply before May 1

📄 How to Apply

You can apply through:

• The Missouri S&T Application Portal
• The Common Application

Ensure you have all required documents, including transcripts, test scores, and proof of English proficiency.

🛂 Visa Process

After admission, you’ll need to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. The steps include:

1. Receive your I-20 or DS-2019 from Missouri S&T.
2. Pay the SEVIS fee.
3. Complete the DS-160 visa application.
4. Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
5. Prepare necessary documents, including your admission letter, financial statements, and passport.

📞 Contact Information

For further assistance:

• Admissions Office:
  • Phone: +1 (573) 341-6731
  • Email: admissions@mst.edu
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS):
  • Phone: +1 (573) 341-4208
  • Email: isss@mst.eduinternational.mst.edu

For more detailed information, visit the International Admissions page of Missouri S&T or contact with us at Bright Admission Coaching.