Help the Solis Rover branch of the Comet Robotics team reach their goal!

Born from dreams, curiosity and ideas, the Solis Rover Project sparked from just ambition in 2023. Having forged into a fleet of engineers through perseverance and aspirations, today, those same sparks of ambition burn brighter than ever. Dedicated to the research and development of interplanetary explorative technologies, engineers, scientists and visionaries alike, work together to bring about a clearer path to a better tomorrow. As fresh minds in engineering, we work against small budgets and strive to learn with pride knowing that we are proof, that humanity will reach the Moon, Mars  and the stars above.

The Solis Rover Project (SRP) is a branch of Comet Robotics, UT Dallas' premier student-led robotics club. Our team is driven by passion, curiosity and perseverance. Since our founding in 2023, we've grown to a 50-person organization dedicated to the research and development of a Mars exploration rover.

Our goal is to participate in the University Rover Challenge (URC) this May, URC is the world's premier robotics competition for college students, held annually in the deserts of southern Utah, bringing together the best collegiate robotics teams from around the world to push the boundaries of autonomous planetary exploration. It challenges student teams to build rovers that could one day assist astronauts on Mars. Competing at URC means putting UTD’s name on the map in a way it has never been before standing alongside top-tier universities from around the world, showcasing our talent and proving that UTD students can compete at the highest level of engineering innovation. This is more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to elevate UTD’s reputation in robotics and space exploration.

We are divided into four sub-teams:

• Mechanical Team Designs and fabricates the rover’s structure and mobility system.
• Embedded Team Develops the rover’s control systems and autonomous functions.
• Science Team Implements onboard research tools for terrain and sample analysis.
• Logistics Team Manages fundraising, sponsorships and outreach.

When we meet our fundraising goal, we will be able to fully fund the completion of our rover.

Donated funds will be used as such:

If we exceed our fundraising goal, additional funds will allow us to:

• Install a high-quality camera system for enhanced environmental navigation and data collection.
• Fine-tune the onboard wireless communication system for ease of control of the rover.
• Create an emergency fund for the trip to URC in the event of an unexpected problem.

By competing in the URC, we’re not just advancing our technical skills we’re showcasing what UTD students are capable of and inspiring future engineers, scientists and innovators within our University and beyond. This is an opportunity to `put UTD on a global stage and make history for our university. Your support will help us take this step forward, proving that UTD belongs among the world’s top robotics institutions.