Space ROS is an open-source space robotics software framework, derived from ROS 2, which was created to be compatible with the demands of safety-critical space robotics applications.

Existing simulation environments within ROS 2's simulation toolkit (Gazebo) are very basic. Space ROS has included high fidelity Curiosity and ISS Robot Arm (SSRMS) demos, but the environments they are placed in are very basic and the capabilities these demos show are non existent. This competition sought to improve technical engagement within the Space ROS community by encouraging technically skilled and creatively gifted people to contribute to the Space ROS repository. Expanding existing demo environments to include higher fidelity environments and/or higher fidelity robotic capabilities are desired to show concepts and leverage the tools that Space ROS is building off of.

Space ROS will be used in NASA projects related to runtime monitoring for robotics. It can also be adapted for aerospace, agtech, mining, and extreme environment workers on Earth.