Born from the European Rover Challenge, the flagship project of the European Space Foundation, SpaceCert recognizes excellence in space and robotics, connecting participants with global industry expertise.
The project aims to strengthen the employability of the youth that wish to start their career in the developing industries connected to STEM, space, and robotics by providing them with an industry-recognized certification system acknowledging their skills, increasing their competitiveness on the labour market & equalizing their chances regardless of their economic status. It plans to shape the future generations of young engineers to meet the industry needs in an innovative and practical project.
10 editions. Over 13.000 contestants since 2014.
The European Rover Challenge (ERC) is a free international space robotics competition. With tasks designed to replicate the challenges faced by real-life rovers on Mars and the Moon, it’s a chance for the new generation of engineers to demonstrate their skills and creativity on a global stage under the watchful eye of leading industry experts and space agencies’ deputies.
Students from technical universities around the world form teams and design unique rovers. After few months of hard work their concepts are validated by space sector professionals from acknowledged companies & associations. When qualified to the finals, teams further test their prototypes on a geologically realistic Martian terrain in a number of demanding tasks based on real NASA and ESA missions. By blending technology, creativity and international collaboration, ERC empowers future space pioneers and proves that the next giant leap begins with bold steps on Earth.
After successful performance in the competition finals participants get their SpaceCert certification.
The SpaceCert is not just a digital diploma. By turning one’s achievements at the ERC into an industry-recognized credential, this certification propels a career while shaping the future of innovation. What are the main characteristics of the SpaceCert?
The certification is available to students and young professionals who participate and successfully qualify for the ERC finals. It is granted to every member of an eligible team whose role and contribution have been thoroughly documented & verified by the competition jury.
Each team member can be certified in max. 5 most suitable modules selected from the entire jury-made syllabus (available soon).
Modules are divided into groups recognizing 5 levels of involvement in each discipline:
Participation in the European Rover Challenge, qualification & SpaceCert are all free of charge. Our mission is to provide new opportunities for young people in the space sector to create a sustainable future for all.
SpaceCert provides official recognition of your expertise and boosts your employability in STEM fields. It also connects you with leading companies in the space and robotics industries, that collaborate with this certification project. The certification attests that participants have undergone rigorous evaluation and have met the standards set by a respected jury and industry experts.
This personalized digital certificate highlights the participant’s name, validated skills (modules), European Rover Challenge edition and formula, and includes a unique credential ID with a QR code for easy LinkedIn verification. Its design reflects the team’s podium placement and stands as a testament to exceptional performance, dedication.
The SpaceCert was created from start to finish under the supervision of leading global experts in the aerospace field. It’s tailored to the latest EU market needs, offers modular specialization, and showcases your contribution in a globally recognized project like the European Rover Challenge.
Absolutely! The certification is inclusive and evaluates diverse roles, from technical to non-technical contributions – e.g. management, marketing.
To earn the certification, candidates must gather a team, register and successfully participate in the European Rover Challenge finals. Learn more about ERC registration & deadlines here: LINK
No, the SpaceCert does not provide nor guarantee job opportunities. Instead, it serves as a powerful tool to showcase your skills, expertise, and achievements to potential employers. While it enhances your employability and credibility in the industry, your career success depends on how you leverage this recognition in the competitive job market.
The European Space Foundation is an award-winning non-profit organization that supports initiatives prioritizing the future of the new generation, based on STEAM sciences and space technologies. In addition to the European Rover Challenge, the Foundation’s team is involved in conducting workshops and educational actions in schools (e.g. Mars Colony Hackathon, “How do we know that the climate is changing?“). Its forward-thinking vision earned it a place as the only European finalist for the 2023 Global E-STEM Award by Pratt & Whitney and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). In 2024, the Foundation proudly claimed the title of “Popularizer of Science” in the “Organization” category, awarded by Science in Poland. The European Space Foundation will be the host organization of the upcoming International Astronautical Congress 2027 in Poznan, Poland.
The project “Space & robotics industry certification system increasing the employment value of the next generation of engineers” is executed as part of the ERASMUS+ 2024 Small-scale partnerships in youth (KA210-YOU). Learn more at the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.
