About the society
Students building rovers
The Macquarie Aerospace Rover Society (MARS) is a student group at Macquarie University that designs, builds and competes with rovers.
Our mission
Turn theory into working hardware
MARS bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world engineering. We design, build, field-test and compete with rovers, so members leave with the technical, leadership and operational skills the aerospace industry needs.
A group of Macquarie engineering students founded MARS in 2024, and it became an officially affiliated Macquarie University student group the same year. Since then it has grown from an idea into a fully funded team, backed by the Space Research Network and Macquarie University, with a growing list of industry partners.
We have shown our work at IAC 2025 (the International Astronautical Congress), SXSW and Astronomy Open Night.
Our vision
Give every student a place to build
We want every Macquarie student with an interest in space, robotics or engineering to have a place to build something real, whatever their degree.
- 01
Hands-on from day one
New members work on the rover from the start, learning alongside experienced members.
- 02
Every discipline welcome
A rover needs more than engineers. Science, business, media, arts and law students all have a role.
- 03
Out in the community
We take our work to public events, so more people see what students can build.
Our history
How we got here
The milestones so far, and the one we are working towards.
- 2024
MARS is founded and affiliated
Macquarie engineering students start the society, and it becomes an officially affiliated Macquarie University student group.
Done - Early 2025
Funding secured
MARS secures funding from the Space Research Network. Macquarie University also backs the team: [add the year its support began].
Done - 2025
Showcase at IAC 2025
MARS shows its work at the International Astronautical Congress.
Done - Early 2026
WALLY beach test day
WALLY is driven off campus on sand for the first time.
Done - 2027
Australian Rover Challenge
Our goal: compete with WALLY at the 2027 Australian Rover Challenge. [Add competition dates.]
Coming up
In the workshop
Watch WALLY take shape
Build sessions and test days. [Placeholder photos: replace them with the society’s own from the Media DropBox.]
WALLY at a beach test day 
Placeholder: 3D-printed parts 
Placeholder: electronics prototyping 
Placeholder: bench work 
Placeholder: machining
