Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
76th International Astronautical Congress , Sydney, Avustralya, 29 Eylül - 03 Ekim 2025, ss.1-11, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
Chang'e-8, the final mission of the fourth phase of China's lunar exploration project, is scheduled for launch around 2028. It will conduct detection and research on lunar multi-physical fields, regional geological profiles, lunar-based Earth observation, in-situ lunar sample analysis, on-site resource utilization, and experiments involving small closed terrestrial ecosystems in the lunar surface environment. This paper presents the initial design details for two smart micro lunar exploration rovers, which will serve as international payloads for the Chang’e-8 mission. The project aims to rapidly explore and map the rough terrain surrounding the Chang’e-8 landing site, to achieve autonomous real-time navigation and positioning, 3D reconstruction and 3D measurement. Two heterogeneous robots, each weighing approximately 5 kg, will assist the mission by investigating the local lunar geological profile and carrying out intelligent collaborative tasks. They will work in coordination to build a wide-view and high-precision lunar surface environmental map. The robust structure of these small robots will enable quick exploration of the surrounding environment within a large radius, and simultaneously achieving survival capability under extreme environmental conditions near the South Pole of the Moon. A primary performance indicator is the generation of a 3D point cloud map while traversing the area around the lander. The rovers will also carry an AI processor to provide full autonomy in task planning and operation. Near real-time computation for image interpretation, information extraction, and autonomous task scheduling will be performed by sharing information between the rovers. The two rovers will collaborate on navigation solutions, primarily relying on cameras and IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) located on the rovers. AI-based image processing and the communication network between the rovers and the lander will further enhance navigation accuracy. Additionally, the rovers will serve as part of a mesh communication network among the mission lander, rovers and other robots. This paper discusses the initial rover design as well as the operation plan. An overview for the mission challenges, requirement analysis, required key technologies and the proposed solutions is given.