NASA announced the winner of its annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) on Monday. It has awarded two groups of Indian students in different categories. KIET Group of Institutions from Delhi NCR was awarded in the "Crash and Burn" category while the Mumbai-based team from Kanakia International School received the award for "Rookie of the Year."

This year, HERC embraced a total of seven teams from India. The competition held between the 19th and 20th of April took place at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama, near  NASA's Marshall Space Flight Centre.

72 teams comprising more than 600 hundred students from the world participated in the competition representing 40 colleges/ universities and 32 high schools.

In the high school division, the Parish Episcopal School from Dallas (United States) won the first prize and the University of Alabama in Huntsville secured the college/university title.

According to a Press release, the procedure of awarding points is based on "navigating a half-mile obstacle course, conducting mission-specific task challenges and completing multiple safety and design reviews with NASA engineers"

"This student design challenge encourages the next generation of scientists and engineers to engage in the design process by providing innovative concepts and unique perspectives," said Vemitra Alexander, HERC activity lead for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement.

"While celebrating the 30th anniversary of the challenge, HERC also continues NASA's legacy of providing valuable experiences to students who may be responsible for planning future space missions, including crewed missions to other worlds," Alexander further added.

The HERC is one of NASA's eight Artemis Student Challenges, which focuses on landing the first woman and the first person of colour on the moon. HERC completed its 30th anniversary this year. Currently, it is one of the longest-running challenges of NASA.

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