UPC Space ProgramVerified

Founded in 2016 and based in Terrassa, Spain, UPC Space Program is a non-profit, student-led aerospace engineering association at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). With over 100 active members from 16 degree programmes across four universities, the association brings together students from different disciplines to design, build and test real aerospace technologies.

Under the motto "Aim high, go beyond", UPC Space Program provides hands-on engineering experience through four missions: ARES (rocketry), ATLAS (autonomous aerial systems), GRASS (planetary robotics) and HORUS (satellite technology).

The association covers the complete engineering development process, from initial design and simulation to manufacturing, integration, testing and international competition. Beyond its technical projects, UPC Space Program promotes STEM education, collaboration with industry and knowledge transfer between generations of students.

Missions and achievements in 2026

GRASS: planetary robotics

GRASS develops a Mars exploration rover designed for autonomous navigation, scientific exploration and robotic manipulation.

In September 2026, the team qualified for the European Rover Challenge (ERC) finals for the sixth consecutive year, achieving its best overall score to date and finishing 13th out of 124 participating teams. GRASS also reached the top 10 in individual competition tasks.

The 2026 version of CERES introduced improvements to its mobility, robotic arm, scientific exploration systems and autonomous navigation software.

For 2027, GRASS is developing a new rover with the aim of improving its competitive performance and exploring future participation in international events such as the University Rover Challenge in the United States.

ARES: rocketry and propulsion

ARES designs, manufactures and launches experimental rockets, developing technologies in propulsion, aerodynamics, avionics and recovery systems.

During the 2025 to 2026 season, the team successfully launched Fènix, a CanSat launch vehicle, and Phobos, a training rocket for new members. ARES also carried out two launches of DRAC, including one at a SURTAM competition where the team obtained Tripoli Level 1 certification.

ARES was selected to participate in the European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) 2026 with DUC, an experimental rocket designed to reach an altitude of 3 km using an in-house-developed liquid propulsion system. Although the team ultimately decided not to launch DUC for safety reasons, participation provided valuable technical experience.

The team has maintained a 100% recovery rate across its rocket launches.

ATLAS: autonomous aerial systems

ATLAS develops high-performance drones, focusing on autonomous flight, advanced navigation and aerial robotics.

In May 2026, ATLAS achieved 2nd place in Europe at the Student AirRace Rapid Response Challenge with Zènit, a drone designed for autonomous delivery operations.

The team also participated in the European Rover Challenge with GRASS-Hopper, an autonomous aerial exploration platform, and returned to the Student AirRace in October for the Zero Delta Challenge. With an improved version of Zènit, ATLAS completed all competition objectives without crashes or incidents.

Looking ahead to 2027, ATLAS aims to further develop autonomous navigation capabilities, improve its Rauxa high-performance drone and continue competing internationally.

HORUS: satellite technology

HORUS develops nanosatellites and space systems, focusing on CubeSat and PocketQube technologies, onboard electronics and satellite subsystems.

In 2026, HORUS was selected to participate in the initial phase of the European Space Agency's Design Booster 3 programme, alongside 14 other European university teams. The initiative supports student teams in advancing their satellite designs towards future space missions.

The team's current projects include the Riparian Vegetation Observer-1, a nanosatellite concept focused on environmental monitoring, and Ikarus, an experimental electric propulsion project.

In 2027, HORUS aims to develop a FlatSat testing platform, allowing its satellite subsystems to be connected, tested and verified before final integration.

International presence and recognition

UPC Space Program regularly participates in international engineering competitions, technology conferences and industry events, including the European Rover Challenge, European Rocketry Challenge, Student AirRace, Mobile World Congress and Space Economy Congress.

In 2025, the association received the UPC Associations Award in the Transversal Training category, recognising its contribution to practical engineering education and student development.

Its projects have also received media coverage from outlets including 3Cat and La Vanguardia, bringing student-led aerospace engineering to a wider audience.

Through its technical projects, educational activities and collaborations with companies and institutions, UPC Space Program continues to connect university talent with the aerospace industry while developing the next generation of engineers.