Lithium, copper and the Salta Puna: satellite data, remote monitoring and automation for more efficient and traceable mining.
Hackathon and Rover Challenge
Two days of intensive work to build solutions for the sectors where Argentina's space economy already has an impact, with the Rover Challenge running alongside as part of the same competition.
From space as science, to space as a market.
The hackathon calls on developers, designers, students and business profiles to solve real challenges from the productive sectors where the space economy already operates.
Argentina Space drives a national ecosystem with Salta at its centre: two days to turn local talent into solutions of global scale.
Four ways to compete
Three hackathon tracks on real problems from each sector, plus the Rover Challenge for those who would rather build with their hands. Each team picks one and works on it across the two days.
Earth observation at the service of farming: precision agriculture, climate risk and smart resource management.
From space as science to space as a market: in-orbit services, satellite data and new space infrastructure.
Fourth way
See how to take partRover Challenge
A rover instead of code. You can enter with a scale model or with a vehicle that drives and clears an obstacle circuit. The winning team gets to test theirs in the Puna.
Agenda for both days
Detailed timings are published before the event.
Day 1Wednesday, November 11
- AccreditationParticipant check-in and credential handout.
- OpeningOfficial welcome and presentation of the tracks.
- Team formingTeams come together and choose their challenge.
- Work sessionFirst development session.
- Day closeWrap-up and guidelines for the next day.
Day 2Thursday, November 12
- Work sessionSecond development session.
- MentoringConsultation rounds with mentors from each track.
- Project submissionDevelopment closes and projects are submitted.
- PitchesTeams present their projects to the jury.
- AwardsWinning teams announced.
- ClosingOfficial close of the event.
And the Rover Challenge, in the same competition
A contest for new talent: design, build and operate a rover able to simulate space exploration tasks. It is part of the official agenda, and every accepted project is exhibited at the Salta Convention Center during the event.
From paper design to real terrain.
The Rover Challenge exists to encourage new talent through innovation, teamwork and the practical application of STEAM knowledge. There are two independent categories so both technical and creative profiles can take part: you can enter with a scale model or with a rover that actually drives.
Two ways to compete
Exhibition Mode · Design and concept
- Focus
- Creativity, industrial design, theoretical feasibility and visual impact.
- What you submit
- Scale models —3D printed, built from recycled materials— or static prototypes. No motorization or working electronics required.
- How it is judged
- Level of detail, design ergonomics for theoretical exploration missions, originality and overall quality of the visual presentation.
Contest Mode · Operation and traction
- Focus
- Engineering, mechanics, basic electronics and problem solving on the ground.
- What you submit
- A working rover controlled remotely (radio, Bluetooth or other). No video transmission system required.
- How it is judged
- Ability to gain traction and clear a closed circuit with slopes, sand and rocks, plus structural resistance throughout the test.
Prizes and recognition
Category B · Contest
Test expedition to the Puna
The winning team travels to the Puna with transfers and accommodation covered by the organization, to test their rover's resistance and traction in the same extreme environment where analog simulation missions take place.
Category A · Exhibition
Special honorable mentions
Since every project is exhibited at the Convention Center, standout projects receive honorable mentions, official diplomas and a featured presentation during the awards ceremony on the main stage.
Who can take part
- University students, upper-level technical school students, and amateur robotics clubs or makerspaces.
- Teams of 3 to 5 members.
- Participants under 18 need written authorization from a parent or legal guardian.
- Teams representing commercial robotics companies, or projects with direct corporate funding, cannot take part: the point is to prioritize learning and a level field.
How it runs
- Registration and submissionEach team registers in its category and sends a conceptual description of the project. Contest Mode also requires a list of materials.
- Exhibition and testingOn the designated day, every team exhibits their creation at the Convention Center. Category B teams operate their rover on the obstacle circuit before the jury and the public.
- ExpeditionCategory B only: the winning team's trip to the Puna is arranged.
See the Rover Challenge rules
Jury and tie-breaks
Judging is handled by a jury appointed by the organization, made up of professionals and specialists in engineering, technology, education and space activities. In Category B, ties are settled by considering —in this order— circuit time, obstacles cleared and the rover's structural strength.
Intellectual property
Projects belong to their authors at all times. The organization may use images, photos and video of the projects solely to publicize and promote the event.
The organization may add to or improve the prizes as sponsors join. The expedition is subject to logistical, weather, operational and safety conditions: in case of force majeure it may be rescheduled or replaced by an equivalent activity. It is an independent experience exclusive to the winners; it does not imply participation in or technical integration with the teams or operations of the official analog missions.
Preliminary rules. The final technical specifications for the circuit and the rovers are published in advance, and the exact date and time within the three days of the event are communicated to registered teams.
Prizes, organization and resources
Prizes · Coming soon
There will be awards for the best projects in each track. Details are published together with the opening of registrations. No figure is official until published here.
Organization
Argentina Space runs the general organization of the event. Partner institutions will be announced soon.
Official documents
The rules and the code of conduct are already available; terms and conditions are published before registrations open.
Technical documentation
Satellite datasets, APIs and the project submission guide are published before the event. Technical enquiries to marketing@argentinaspace.com.
Frequently asked questions
01Who can take part?
The hackathon calls on developers, designers, students and business profiles interested in the space economy. Requirements are detailed in the terms and conditions, published before registrations open.
02Do I need to bring a team?
Not at all: day one includes a team-forming slot for those arriving on their own. You can also take part with an existing team, subject to the conditions set out in the terms.
03How much does it cost?
The participation fee is confirmed together with the opening of registrations and published on this site and Argentina Space's official channels.
04What should I bring?
A laptop, charger and anything your team needs to work across the two days. The list of materials and services available at the Convention Center is published with the rules.
05What will we work on?
Each team picks one of the three tracks (Mining, Agronomy and New Space) and develops a solution to real challenges in that sector. The final challenges are presented at the opening.
06How do I register?
Registration will run through Luma. It is not open yet: send an email to the event address and the team will reply through the same channel once it opens.
Registrations coming soon
Hackathon and Rover Challenge registration
One registration for both competitions: it will run through Luma and be announced on this site and Argentina Space's official channels. When you sign up you choose the hackathon, the Rover Challenge, or both.
Notify meWhen you send the email, the event team replies through the same channel once registrations open.
Contact: marketing@argentinaspace.com
Join the founding core of Argentina's New Space.
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