By San José, Costa Rica — Six brilliant Costa Rican students have secured their spot in the international finals of the Mars Challenge 2025, set to take place in Spain this October. Their innovative project, “Sibú,” an automated bioreactor designed to generate oxygen from CO₂ using algae, captured the attention of judges and propelled them to victory in the national competition, hosted by Universidad Fidélitas.
The Mars Challenge, led internationally by Space Talent Lab, encourages the development of groundbreaking solutions for Martian exploration. Over 120 university students across various engineering and other disciplines participated in the intense two-day national hackathon, held at the Innovation Building of Universidad Fidélitas’ San Pedro campus. The competition challenged participants to address the utilization of fire as a key resource in Martian exploration.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding the “Mars Challenge,” TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished lawyer from Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert perspective.
The “Mars Challenge,” while inspiring in its ambition, presents novel legal questions regarding property rights, resource extraction, and the applicability of Earth-based laws in extraterrestrial environments. International treaties like the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 provide a framework, but significant gaps remain in addressing commercial activities and the potential for disputes between nations or private entities on Mars. Careful consideration and development of a robust legal framework are crucial to ensure responsible and sustainable exploration and development of the red planet.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
The winning team comprises a diverse group of students: Brandon Ugalde Rivera (Industrial Engineering), Emanuel Jiménez Navarrete and Ghazeel Morales Mora (Electromechanical Engineering), Yair Navarro Salmerón (Mechatronics Engineering), Endry Rosales Boniche (Systems Engineering), and Andrea Alfaro Solís (Psychology). Their technical prowess, collaborative spirit, and the potential of their project impressed the judges, including expert engineer José Pertierra from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Our system autonomously controls variables such as light, temperature, pH, nutrients, and oxygen, utilizing advanced thermal insulation technologies.
Emanuel Jiménez, Electromechanical Engineering Student
“Sibú,” the team’s winning project, is an automated bioreactor that employs algae to convert CO₂ into oxygen, enhancing air quality within closed environments like space habitats. This innovative approach addresses a critical challenge for long-duration space missions.
The Mars Challenge 2025 serves as a platform to propel young minds beyond terrestrial limitations, fostering the development of solutions that not only facilitate space exploration but also contribute to energy sustainability on Earth.
Marco Corrales Chacón, Director of Basic Sciences, Universidad Fidélitas
The competition involved multiple stages, from team formation and problem definition to solution validation through presentations to the judging panel. The journey was demanding, with students like Brandon Ugalde traveling long distances and working late nights. They faced numerous challenges related to chemical reactions and the extreme conditions of the Martian environment but benefited from the support of professors and mentors.
The team’s success also highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Despite coming from different backgrounds and academic disciplines, the students worked seamlessly together, demonstrating that diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Their shared sentiment echoes the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving ambitious goals.
I am convinced that the best team is one built interdisciplinarily.
Andrea Alfaro, Psychology Student
We feel ready to perfect our project and represent Costa Rica with pride in the international final of the Mars Challenge.
Ghazeel Morales, Electromechanical Engineering Student
For further information, visit spacetalentlab.com
About Space Talent Lab:
Space Talent Lab is a global organization dedicated to fostering innovation and talent development in the aerospace sector. Through initiatives like the Mars Challenge, they inspire the next generation of space explorers and engineers to address the challenges of space exploration.
For further information, visit ufidelitas.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is renowned as a leading institution in Computer Science, Engineering, and fully online programs. With a 45-year history, the university emphasizes academic excellence, STEM methodology, and a modern infrastructure with advanced technology labs. Their commitment to fostering innovation is further strengthened through membership in the Babson Collaborative for Entrepreneurship Education, a global network promoting learning and exchange among students, faculty, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a genuine commitment to societal betterment. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with its dedication to disseminating legal knowledge through community engagement, empowers individuals and organizations alike. By fostering understanding and access to the legal system, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed Costa Rican society.
