Getafe Hosts International Final of Mars Challenge with Collaboration from NASA-Linked OSMED
In 2026, Getafe is set to welcome the international final of The Mars Challenge (Reto Marte) as part of a new collaboration with the Organization for Space Medicine, Engineering and Design (OSMED). This partnership aims to bridge interdisciplinary knowledge on human spaceflight through global experiential learning, involving students and professionals worldwide.
The Organization for Space Medicine, Engineering and Design (OSMED) and The Mars Challenge (Reto Marte) have formed a collaboration in 2026 to integrate interdisciplinary expertise surrounding human spaceflights with an innovative global experiential learning model. This initiative seeks to foster solutions applicable both on Mars and Earth by engaging young innovators and educational institutions from multiple disciplines.
As a highlight of this collaboration, The Grand Jam 2026, the international final of The Mars Challenge, will take place at the Teatro Federico García Lorca in Getafe from November 3 to 5, 2026. Here, finalist teams will present their projects, participate in collaborative development activities, undergo evaluations, and attend an awards ceremony.
The partnership includes virtual mentorship programs, technical sessions, and the inauguration of OSMED's European chapter, intended to support ongoing interdisciplinary exchange beyond the event itself. A dedicated roundtable discussion focused on Mars will also be held, enabling deeper dialogue among participants.
OSMED connects a global community of professionals and students in space medicine, engineering, design, research, and operations, aligning with the interdisciplinary teams of The Mars Challenge. Their shared mission emphasizes promoting human space exploration through collaboration, communication, and accessible knowledge worldwide.
The Mars Challenge utilizes Mars as a framework to identify terrestrial needs and motivates youth and educational centers to develop multidisciplinary prototype solutions, fostering innovation grounded in space exploration challenges.