R.O.A.D.S. Challenge

Rover Observation And Drone Survey

Challenge

Is your student ready for our next space challenge?

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About ROADS on ICY WORLDS January - April 2022

The icy worlds of our solar system present some tantalizing challenges for exploratory science. What lies beneath the icy surface? If there’s water, could there be life? And will we need ice skates on our lander? 

What are the icy worlds you will be exploring in this challenge?
An “icy world” is defined as a body whose outer surface is composed mostly of water ice that’s so cold it’s as hard as rock on Earth. The interiors of the largest of these icy bodies may also have a global subsurface ocean of liquid water and a rocky inner core.

The most well-known icy moon is Jupiter’s moon Europa; however, nearly all of the outer planets’ moons are considered to be icy worlds. The surface below the dense atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan is also composed of rock hard water ice and scientists think Titan also has an internal global water ocean. Another fascinating icy world is Triton, which has large plumes erupting from its complex surface.

Not all icy worlds are moons. The dwarf planets Pluto and Charon are both considered to be icy worlds, along with Ceres in the asteroid belt.

For this mission, we will be focusing on Jupiter’s moon Europa, the target of NASA’s upcoming Europa Clipper mission.  Come explore the universe with PAL!

 An immersive opportunity for students to use the latest technologies to explore, inspire, create, and achieve.

The ROADS Challenge aims to increase student interest in STEM pathways and careers, particularly in underserved communities.
Learn and apply your programming, geology, biology, visual and engineering design skills!