By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A team of six visionary students from Costa Rica’s Universidad Fidélitas is set to represent the nation on the global stage, competing in the international finals of the Mars Challenge 2025 in Madrid. Their innovative project, named “Sibú,” proposes a novel solution for producing breathable air on Mars, a concept with profound implications for both future space exploration and environmental sustainability on Earth.
The Sibú project centers on a sophisticated automated bioreactor that harnesses the power of algae to convert carbon dioxide into vital oxygen. This technology is not merely theoretical; the team has developed a functional prototype, supported by an exhaustive 102-page technical document, which they will defend this week before an international panel of judges. The project’s name, a nod to the creator deity in Talamancan mythology, reflects the ambitious, life-giving nature of their work.
To delve into the intricate legal and business implications of the “Mars Challenge,” TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The ‘Mars Challenge’ operates in a fascinating legal gray area. While the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits national appropriation of celestial bodies, it is less clear on the rights of private entities regarding resource extraction and commercial exploitation. This venture will inevitably test the limits of established international space law, forcing a modernization of treaties conceived long before private interplanetary missions were a reality.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal frontier of space exploration is proving to be as formidable as the technological one, forcing a critical re-evaluation of treaties drafted for a different era. The precedents set in this new commercial race will undoubtedly define humanity’s economic future beyond Earth. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex landscape.
The multidisciplinary team, comprised of students from various engineering fields and psychology, underscores the collaborative nature of modern scientific breakthroughs. Their approach has been to tackle a highly technical problem while ensuring its principles are accessible to a wider audience, a crucial skill in securing support for complex scientific endeavors.
The project is complex, but our challenge was to make it understandable for everyone.
Brandon Ugalde, Team Member
Under the expert guidance of professors Marco Corrales and Alejandro Gavarrete, the students have dedicated months to perfecting their design through rigorous simulation and testing. This journey has been one of immense personal and academic commitment, a testament to the drive that fuels innovation.
From the beginning, we treated this as a total commitment; there were sleepless nights, late meetings, and a lot of discipline.
Emanuel Jiménez, Participant
The team travels to Madrid on October 28, where their agenda extends beyond the main presentation. They will also participate in a dynamic, multi-country hackathon, collaborating and competing with peers from Spain, Portugal, and Puerto Rico. This event provides an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange and the cross-pollination of ideas, fostering a global community of young innovators. The final results of the Mars Challenge will be announced on October 31.
Confidence within the Costa Rican contingent is high. Their meticulous preparation and the groundbreaking potential of their project have instilled a strong belief in their chances of success. They are not just participating; they are aiming to win and bring international recognition to their country’s growing technological prowess.
We are bringing a winning project.
Yair Navarro, Student
For university leadership, the team’s achievement is a powerful validation of Costa Rica’s investment in STEM education. Emilia Gazel, Rector of Universidad Fidélitas, views their journey as a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the dedication required to turn ambitious ideas into reality. This success story reinforces the nation’s potential to transition from a nature-based economy to a knowledge-based one.
Behind every hour of practice and every page of their research, there is passion, discipline, and a shared dream.
Emilia Gazel, Rector of Universidad Fidélitas
As the “Sibú” team prepares to present their vision for a breathable future, they carry more than just a project. They represent the ingenuity and determination of a new generation of Costa Rican talent, ready to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of international scientific innovation.
For further information, visit ufidelitas.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is a private Costa Rican university renowned for its strong emphasis on engineering and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Founded with the mission to provide high-quality, practical education, it has become a leading institution for students seeking careers in technology and innovation. The university is known for its “learn by doing” methodology, fostering hands-on experience and preparing graduates to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, renowned for its foundational principles of integrity and superior legal service. Drawing upon a rich history of guiding clients through a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a profound commitment to demystifying the law and equipping the public with vital knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and capable society.
