Number One Worldwide: HSM Aries.space Tops ERC Qualifications with 239.75 Points!
HSM Aries.space ranked first among 124 international teams in the ERC 2026 qualification stage, earning 239.75 points for the LEAP-One mission.
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Engineering milestones, field reports and the latest from HSM Aries.
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Dispatches charting the road from first sketch to field test.
HSM Aries.space Releases Official ERC 2026 Submission Video for LEAP-One
The team has released its official 10-minute ERC 2026 qualification video, presenting LEAP-One’s mobility, navigation, robotic systems, science suite, and mission control.
State Leadership & Aerospace Innovation: HSM Aries.space Shines at Space Night 2026
HSM Aries.space represented Hochschule Schmalkalden at Space Night 2026 in Jena, presenting LEAP-One and AQUILA to state leaders and aerospace organizations.
Every field note. One record.
26 previous dispatches from the HSM Aries programme.
Double Milestone: HSM Aries.space Submits ERC 2026 PDR and Activates Unified Ground Station
HSM Aries.space completed two key ERC 2026 milestones: submission of its 100-plus-page Preliminary Design Review and hardware integration of the mission ground station.
The "Central Brain" is Online: LEAP-One Integrates High-Performance Computational Unit
LEAP-One now carries a compact high-performance computer with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 for autonomy, perception, and mission data.
Taking Flight: AQUILA Drone Proves Stability in Real-World Manual Flight Trials
The Astroflight department successfully conducted initial outdoor flight trials for the AQUILA fixed-wing and VTOL aircraft.
Multi-Terrain Mastery: LEAP-One Rover Aces Mobility Tests for ERC 2026 and ICARM Publication
Comprehensive field mobility trials validate the rocker-bogie suspension and custom high-traction wheel grousers across gravel, sand, and rock beds.
Subsurface Sampling Success: HSM Aries.space Prepares for ICARM 2026 Publication
The deep-core drilling mechanism achieves full 30 cm soil sample retrieval with zero cross-contamination in laboratory trials.
Hardware Milestone: HSM Aries.space Successfully Assembles Latest High-Performance Flight Unit
Complete chassis, electronics bay, and drivetrain hardware assembly completed in partnership with Boehm Group GmbH.
Field Test Update: Manual Joystick Control on Multiple Terrains
Today, we conducted a field test of our rover using only manual control through a handheld joystick. The purpose of this session was to evaluate how well the rover performs when directly driven by an operator'no autonomous navigation, just pure manual handling. We tested the rover across a variety of terrains, including gravel paths, paved […]
Industry Outreach: HSM Aries.space Explores the Future of Aerospace at Space Tech Expo Bremen 2025
Bremen – In a major step for our industry outreach and project development, a delegation from the HSM ARIES LEAP-One Mars Rover team recently traveled to Bremen to attend the Space Tech Expo 2025. As one of Europe's largest and most prestigious gatherings for the global space industry, the expo featured over 950 exhibitors showcasing […]
Innovation in Focus: Thuringia's Minister of Science, Christian Tischner, Visits HSM Aries.space
We were honored to welcome Thuringia's Minister of Science, Christian Tischner, to Hochschule Schmalkalden this past Friday. The visit provided a high-profile platform to showcase the university's interdisciplinary research and its commitment to fostering the next generation of STEM innovators. Hands-on Research: The Mars Rover in Action The highlight of…
First Motion Milestone: Six-Wheel Drive System Comes to Life!
The HSM Aries Space team has reached another major milestone on our rover's journey from concept to reality! This week, our team successfully tested the CAN adapter with six ODrives using ROS commands ' achieving full calibration and coordinated motion for all six wheels for the very first time. The integration marks a crucial step […]
First publication submitted to ICRA 2026
Team Submits Paper to ICRA 2026. LEAPOne rover concept enters the global'robotics'stage.
From Vision to Machine: Rover Fully Assembled
LEAP-ONE is now fully manufactured and assembled'precision parts from Boehm Group and final 3D-printed wheels complete the platform. After months of design and testing, the rover moves from concept to mission-ready hardware. The team prepares for dynamic trials to validate performance, durability, and payload integration.
Welcoming Fresh Talent: New Members Joins the Rover Team
After a competitive selection process, HSMAries welcomed 10 new members to the rover team. Carefully shortlisted from strong applicants, these student engineers bring mechanical, electrical and software skills, fresh perspectives, and a 30-day action focus to speed the LEAP-ONE project from bench to field.
Shaping the Path Ahead: Final Rover Wheels 3D-Printed After Iterations and Team Discussions
After multiple iterations and load tests, the team finalized the LEAP-ONE wheel design. Test prints proved traction and durability; Vighnesh then produced the final 3D-printed wheels. This marks a critical mobility milestone as the rover prepares for field trials, with a robust wheelset ready to handle rough terrain and real-world testing.
Powering Up: Rover Electronics Successfully Tested
Under Harsha and electrical lead Ayan, the team validated ODrive S1 motor controllers, hub motors, battery modules, relays, and the emergency stop system. Early trials showed smooth motor response and stable power delivery. With safety systems confirmed, the rover moves into dynamic testing where control, power, and fail-safes will be stress-tested for fi…
Building the Future: Boehm Company Joins Forces with Students for Rover Innovation
Boehm Group GmbH in Zella-Mehlis sponsors materials and machining for the LEAP-ONE rover, providing professional-grade fabrication and hands-on mentorship. This industry collaboration accelerates prototype durability and assembly, lets students learn industry processes, and helps the team document build steps as parts move toward integration and upcoming…
Our Pitch Succeeds: Boehm Group GmbH Joins as Rover Manufacturing Sponsor
After a successful pitch at Boehm Group GmbH in Zella-Mehlis, Boehm agreed to sponsor materials and machining for the LEAP-ONE rover. This sponsorship validates our design and brings professional fabrication capacity to the project, letting the team move from prototype parts to precision-manufactured assemblies and accelerate toward integration and field…
Design Complete: Rover Structure Ready for Manufacturing
After months of prototyping and iteration, the team has finalized the rover's structural design'optimised for strength, weight, and manufacturability. With designs signed off, parts will move to precision machining at Boehm Group in Zella-Mehlis. This milestone moves the project from CAD into physical production and assembly.
Aries.space Website Development Kicks Off
Development of the Aries.space website is underway. The new digital hub will showcase HSMAries projects (including the LEAP Series), publish mission updates, and host resources for students and collaborators. Expect behind-the-scenes content, progress reports, and a user-friendly launch that brings our student-driven space work into one public home.
LEAP-ONE Rover Selected for ERC 2025
LEAP-ONE has been selected for the European Rover Challenge 2025. This honor puts HSMAries on an international stage to test autonomy, sampling systems, and a modular chassis under competition conditions. Over the coming months we'll intensify field tests, refine systems, and publish behind-the-scenes updates as we prepare to represent Hochschule Schmalka…
Final Render of LEAP-One Unveiled by the Team
HSMAries has released the final high-fidelity render of LEAP-ONE, showcasing the modular chassis, integrated sensors, and drive architecture developed after months of iteration. The image marks a design milestone ahead of subsystem integration and ERC 2025 preparations. With visuals public, the team now focuses on integration, testing, and field readiness.
Initial Robotic Arm Design Completed by Mechanical Lead Teja
Mechanical lead Teja completed the initial robotic arm design for LEAP-ONE: a multi-jointed manipulator with an adaptive gripper engineered for sample collection and maintenance. Optimized for durability and precision, the design will now be integrated with rover subsystems and undergo rigorous testing to validate dexterity, payload handling, and resilien…
Drill Mechanism Design Completed by Danny
Mechanical lead Danny completed the LEAP-ONE drill mechanism: a telescopic solid-auger design with dual-motor drilling and rotation capable of extracting soil samples beyond 30 cm. The design emphasizes reliability and precision for varied terrains. With the mechanism finalized, the team proceeds to subsystem integration and upcoming testing to validate d…
LEAP-One Electronic Bay Design Successfully Completed
Electronic bay design for LEAP-ONE completed, providing modular integration for power management, sensors, comms and control. The layout improves wiring, thermal management, and future upgrades. With design finalized under mentor KK Achari's guidance, the team will now begin integration testing and prototyping to validate system performance ahead of field…
Initial LEAP-One Mission Badge Design Completed by Team Mentor KK Achari
Mentor KK Achari has finalized the LEAP-ONE mission badge'a futuristic emblem that symbolizes the team's technical ambition and collaborative spirit. Designed for use across branding, documentation and promotional materials, the badge unifies the project identity and strengthens trust with partners as LEAP-ONE prepares for ERC 2025 and upcoming outreach.
Completion of LEAP-One Base Design
The HSMAries team has completed the LEAP-ONE base design: a modular chassis, optimized power management, and payload-ready interfaces engineered for durability and adaptability. This foundational milestone clears the path for subsystem integration, prototyping, and testing ahead of ERC 2025 ' bringing the rover one confident step closer from blueprint to…