Two robots from Middle East Technical University to be sent to the Moon

Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) in Türkiye is developing two microrobots for work on the Moon's south pole. The robots are expected to work together and create a three-dimensional map of the lunar surface. This was reported by the broadcaster CNN Türk, whose journalists were shown devices that are being prepared for flight.

Each robot weighs less than 5 kilograms. According to the source, they are scheduled to be sent to the Moon in 2030. The Moon's south pole is considered a challenging region, with large temperature fluctuations and sparse regolith.

Engineers are now preparing the robots for these conditions. Both devices will operate at the same time, rather than one, and will exchange data in order to jointly create a three-dimensional surface map.

ODTÜ Rector Professor Ahmet Yozgatlıgil said that the simultaneous operation of two robots will be the first such mission of its kind in the world, and that the university is very proud of the project. According to him, other countries usually focus on a single robot, whereas here two devices will work together.

ODTÜ lecturer Mustafa Mert Ankaralı said that each country usually concentrates on one robot, while the university's team will launch two and ensure they communicate with each other.

Mustafa Odzhukhan Shakhan said the device is still a prototype. The actual model will have a space-class computer installed inside. This will allow mapping to be carried out using artificial intelligence.

The project is being carried out under the leadership of ODTÜ together with Chinese partners. According to the rector, the goal is not only to study the Moon, but also to prepare Türkiye for its future space missions. He noted that the Cheri project helps Türkiye prepare for future lunar missions and for research that the country plans to conduct after landing its own lunar spacecraft.

Source: cnnturk.com

Prepared by:Gurban Gurbanzadeh