Current call – 2026 Land
Imagine the Earth as a Mars in formation... and prevent that day from coming.
In Mars Challenge 2026, the central element is Earth. This challenge invites us to look at our planet with the same eyes with which we plan to survive on Mars: a limited, austere and fragile environment.
The question is simple and urgent:
What would happen if the Earth began to lose the conditions that make life possible?
In this cycle, we will work to anticipate that future and design solutions that prevent the degradation of our “pale blue dot” and improve the way we use, regenerate and preserve the Earth.
Element 2026: Earth
Earth in Mars Challenge is not just a place, it’s a living system.
A set of ecosystems, resources and cycles that, if disrupted, can become as hostile as any Martian desert.
This year, the challenge is to think like explorers on a limit planet:
Imagine an Earth scenario with critical and scarce resources
Apply space survival thinking to ecosystem regeneration
Redesign our cities, fields and supply chains for a planet that can no longer waste anything
Use innovation to keep Earth livable for all
Develop solutions that:
– Anticipate and avoid extreme scarcity scenarios
– Optimize the use of resources such as soil, water, energy and biodiversity
– Apply technologies and methods developed for Mars on Earth
– Generate resilience to environmental and social crises
– Make regeneration a standard, not an exception
Phase
Registration opening
Previous thematic sessions
National / virtual hackathons
Project development
International final – Madrid, Spain
Replication Effect
August 15, 2025
From February to June 2026
May to July 2026
May to October 2026
October 2026
From November 2026
*Dates may vary by country and level of participation.
- Young Zers ( 15-29 years old)
- Educational Institutions
- Cities and local governments
- Mission Pioneers
- Mentors and teachers
- Companies
International winning team
Global recognition + immersive experience in an international space center.
Winners by element
Recognition for the best solution in the area of Land 2026.
Best Space & Earth 2026 Seal
Certification for projects with high dual impact (Earth and Mars).
Mission 1 Mentor Recognition
- Special award to the Mission 1 Mentor of Element Earth 2026, who will participate with the international winning team in the immersive experience.
- Four additional mentions to other outstanding Mission 1 Mentors during the season.
- All mentors who accompany teams to the International Final will receive official recognition as Mission 1 Mentor of their country.
Register according to your profile
Note on the 2025 edition - Fire
The Fuego cycle has already closed registrations and is in the project development stage.If you want to know more about this year’s equipment and solutions:
